Fort Myers Career Criminal Sentenced To 15 Years For Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm

Fort Myers, Florida - U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced JD Irons, Jr. (37, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Irons entered a guilty plea on July 24, 2024.

According to court records, on December 8, 2023, Irons fled from officers with the Fort Myers Police Department who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Irons was the front-seat passenger. Irons was subsequently found hiding in a nearby apartment. Concealed in the glovebox of the vehicle, officers found a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun. Irons was later forensically linked to the firearm.

As a convicted felon, Irons is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. As a result of his lengthy criminal record, which includes multiple prison sentences for drug crimes involving cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, Irons qualified for enhanced sentencing under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was 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.