North Fort Myers Felon Sentenced To Eight Years For Possessing A Stolen Firearm As A Convicted Felon

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Michael Lee Stover (37, North Fort Myers) to eight years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Stover to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Stover pled guilty on June 12, 2025.

According to court documents, Stover took a firearm from the hood of another man’s car at a carwash in North Fort Myers on April 3, 2025. After taking the gun, Stover fled the scene. Deputies later served a search warrant on Stover’s North Fort Myers residence and located the stolen firearm. Stover was previously convicted of five felony offenses – including escape from custody (2021); fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer (2021); burglary (2011); aggravated battery (2011); and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (2009). As a result, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).