Mickey Colangelo, Jr., a 45-year-old resident of Fort Myers, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the plea, stating that Colangelo could face a minimum of 15 years to life in federal prison. Additionally, Colangelo has agreed to forfeit the firearm involved in the offense. A sentencing date has yet to be determined.
The plea agreement details an incident on October 30, 2024, when Colangelo was apprehended by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a suspect wanted for a felony offense. During this encounter, deputies discovered a loaded pistol in his backpack. At that time, Colangelo had several prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Notably, he has at least three prior convictions classified as "violent felonies," which enhance his punishment under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
The case was investigated by both the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced strategy focusing on fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.