DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Middle District of Florida

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Maria Chapa Lopez
, United States Attorney
Contact: William Daniels

Labelle Felon Who Sold Firearm to ATF Agent Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison

Fort Myers – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Alton Jackson (26, Labelle) to six years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court sentenced Jackson to a term of imprisonment above his federal sentencing guidelines range, citing his numerous encounters with law enforcement dating back to age 14 and his recidivism risk.

Jackson had pleaded guilty on May 8, 2020.

According to court documents, in January 2019, Jackson sold an AR-15 style rifle to an undercover ATF agent at a motel in Fort Myers. Following a months-long search, Jackson was arrested in North Carolina by the United States Marshals Service and transported to the Middle District of Florida.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

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Tampa Field Division