Andre Dominique Barnes, 35, of Lehigh Acres, pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Barnes now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, Barnes was pulled over for speeding by the Florida Highway Patrol in Lee County on September 20, 2024. During the traffic stop, troopers discovered that Barnes was driving with a suspended license and identified him using an Oklahoma identification card.
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A subsequent search of his vehicle yielded a loaded pistol.
Further investigation revealed that Barnes had multiple prior felony convictions in Oklahoma. DNA evidence collected from the pistol and Barnes himself linked him to the firearm. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan is prosecuting the case.
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This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and reducing violent crime.
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