LAKELAND, Fla. – Solomon Smith, 22, of Lakeland, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven handed down the sentence after Smith pleaded guilty to the charge on November 7, 2024.
According to court documents, on July 2, 2024, officers from the Lakeland Police Department were conducting surveillance on a residence to execute an outstanding arrest warrant for Smith. During the surveillance, officers witnessed Smith with a handgun, equipped with an extended magazine, tucked into his waistband.
After Smith was arrested on the warrant, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, they discovered the handgun concealed in an air vent. The firearm was a “ghost gun,” meaning it lacked a serial number, and was loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition. Further evidence showed photographs of Smith possessing the same handgun posted on social media.
At the time of his arrest, Smith had prior felony convictions, including carrying a concealed firearm and possession of cannabis resin. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Lakeland Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang prosecuted it.
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