Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than Eight Years For Illegal Possession Of A Firearm In Fort Myers

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Patrick Towns (35, Fort Myers) to eight years and four months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered him to forfeit the pistol and ammunition used in the offense. Towns pleaded guilty on May 6, 2015. 

According to court documents, on December 26, 2014, while driving with a suspended driver’s license and an inoperable headlight, Towns was stopped by officers with the Fort Myers Police Department and placed under arrest. In connection with the arrest, the officers observed a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol and cocaine inside the vehicle. During a search of Towns, officers located a quantity of MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Molly, in his pocket.

During today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Chappell noted that Towns had eight prior felony convictions.  As a result, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Southwest Florida Violent Crime Task Force and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David G. Lazarus.