Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Carl Samuel Thompson, Jr. (60, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Because of Thompson’s extensive criminal history—which includes at least three convictions for violent felonies—he qualified for enhanced sentencing under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Thompson entered a guilty plea on October 30, 2024.
According to court records, on April 7, 2024, a vehicle being driven by Thompson was pulled over in North Fort Myers by deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office 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 the 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, Thompson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.