Fort Myers Woman Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Loaded Firearm As A Convicted Felon

Fort Myers, Florida - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Melina Ariel Maldonado (28, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Maldonado faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on September 4, 2024, the Lee County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop of Maldonado, who had active felony arrest warrants. Deputies located a loaded pistol under Maldonado's seat, and she told deputies the pistol belonged to her. Maldonado has previously been convicted of armed robbery and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. As a convicted felon, Maldonado is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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 Mark Morgan.

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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.