A Fort Myers man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted on Thursday for possessing a loaded firearm as a felon.
Carl Samuel Thompson, 60, entered a guilty plea on Oct. 30, 2024, according to the U.S. State Attorney's Office.
The U.S. State Attorney's Office said due to Thompson's extensive criminal background, which includes three convictions for violent felonies, he qualified for enhanced sentencing under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
According to court records, on April 7, 2024, Thompson was driving a car with a passenger when he was pulled over by Lee County deputies in North Fort Myers.
During the traffic stop, deputies said they found a loaded gun in the passenger's possession.
Deputies said they learned the gun belonged to Thompson, who had an active warrant at the time, but he asked the passenger to hold it after realizing he was being pulled over.
As a convicted felon, it is illegal to possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
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