Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

FORT MYERS, Fla. — U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ruben Justus Edwards, 43, Clewiston, today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Edwards faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, on July 5, 2023, Edwards sold an undercover law enforcement agent two handguns—a Beretta and a Taurus—in Clewiston. As a multi-time convicted felon, Edwards is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S, Attorney Simon Eth.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

###