Jesse Jay Perez, a 28-year-old resident of Morgan Hill, California, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Keeping our community and streets safe requires pursuing criminals like this offender with the full force of the law. I appreciate the excellent work of our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate this case, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these offenders.”
Court records show that on January 1, 2025, Perez was stopped while riding a bicycle without a rear-facing red light, which is required under Florida law. During the stop, officers discovered that Perez had an outstanding felony arrest warrant from California. After arresting him and conducting a search, police found 13 magazines, 380 rounds of ammunition, and all parts needed to assemble a “ghost gun” semi-automatic rifle in his backpack. Perez’s prior conviction in California involved the manufacture or distribution of assault weapons.
The investigation was carried out jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime groups while working to reduce violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 offices representing federal interests under direction from the Attorney General. More information about court documents can be found at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website (http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html).
