Jesse Jay Perez, a 29-year-old resident of Naples, Florida, has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of ammunition as a convicted felon in federal court. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin commented: “Thanks to the dedication of Gainesville Police Officers, this wanted fugitive is back where he belongs, behind bars. My office is committed to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who unlawfully possess weapons or ammunition and pose a risk to the safety and security of our fellow citizens.”
According to court documents, on January 1, 2025, officers from the Gainesville Police Department stopped Perez during a traffic check and discovered an active felony fugitive warrant for his arrest from California. During the stop, Perez had a backpack containing a machete, a pellet rifle, a flare gun, 13 magazines, 380 rounds of various ammunition, and parts necessary to assemble a “ghost gun” assault rifle. Due to a prior felony conviction, Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Perez could face up to fifteen years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Gainesville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing will take place on September 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen Winsor.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at tackling illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime. This initiative combines resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices operating under the direction of the Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed online via the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. More information about this office is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
