Fort Myers, Florida – Austin Charles Wesley, a 25-year-old resident of Lehigh Acres, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Wesley could face up to 15 years in federal prison, although no date for sentencing has been set.
Court documents reveal that on October 24, 2024, Wesley was stopped for speeding by the Florida Highway Patrol on SR-82 in Lee County. During the stop, officers discovered a loaded Walther .22 caliber handgun hidden under his clothing. As someone with multiple felony convictions and previous sentences served in Florida state prison for various offenses, Wesley is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Fort Myers Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth is prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN with core principles focused on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.