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Press Release

20-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearms Charge

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Ocala, Florida – Willie Lee Lewis (47, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Lewis was indicted on February 13, 2019. 

According to the plea agreement, on November 28, 2018, a City of Ocala police officer attempted to stop Lewis for a tag violation. Rather than pulling over, Lewis led the officer on a low-speed chase during which Lewis discarded a loaded pistol, cocaine, and marijuana from the window of his van. Police recovered these items and arrested Lewis, who subsequently placed a recorded telephone call from the county jail in which he described the firearm and drugs that he had tossed from the van’s window.

Lewis has 20 prior felony convictions that include multiple drug sales and illegal firearm offenses, thus qualifying him for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ocala Police Department jointly investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

 

Updated March 13, 2019

Topics
Firearms Offenses
Project Safe Neighborhoods