Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm
FORT MYERS, Fla. — U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ernest Jeshad Foster, 32, of Fort Myers, today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Foster faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on Aug. 23, 2023, Fort Myers Police Department officers conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle in which Foster was the front seat passenger. Upon approaching the vehicle, law enforcement observed Foster reaching into the glove compartment and quickly shutting it. As soon as Foster exited the car, the glove compartment popped open and officers saw a firearm, which was later identified as loaded Taurus handgun. As a seven-time convicted felon, Foster is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon 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 out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice 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.
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