Fort Myers, Florida - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Carl Samuel Thompson, Jr. (60, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Because of Thompson's criminal history, which includes at least three convictions for violent felonies, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

According to court records, on April 7, 2024, a vehicle being driven by Thompson was pulled over by Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) deputies in North Fort Myers for a traffic infraction. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered that Thompson's front-seat passenger was concealing a loaded firearm, which was secured by deputies during the traffic stop. A subsequent investigation revealed that Thompson-who had an active warrant for his arrest-had provided the firearm to his passenger to conceal after realizing he was being pulled over. As a career criminal with more than 10 prior felony convictions, including convictions for armed robbery and aggravated assault, Thompson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lee County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.