Frederick Charles Kutchinsky, a 54-year-old resident of North Fort Myers, has pleaded guilty to possessing multiple firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. Kutchinsky could face up to 15 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 29, 2026.
Court documents show that on January 24, 2025, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrants Unit went to Kutchinsky’s home to serve an active felony arrest warrant issued in Georgia. While attempting to get Kutchinsky to leave his house, deputies saw several firearms in plain view through the windows, including a .50 caliber rifle. After Kutchinsky exited the residence and was taken into custody, deputies obtained a search warrant.
The search revealed more than 50 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition inside the home. Authorities also found a workbench with firearm parts and tools used for modifying guns.
Kutchinsky is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his status as a previously convicted felon.
The investigation was conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey is prosecuting the case.
According to officials, this prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation brings together resources from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
"This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey."
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
