Joseph Columbus Williams, a 64-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Williams appeared for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. A jury trial is set for March 16, 2026, at 8:15 am before District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
If convicted, Williams faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment on each count.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department are jointly investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting.
“An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial,” according to the statement.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aiming to address illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and reduce violent crime as well as human and drug trafficking.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also urges residents to lock their car doors at night since unlocked vehicles can be sources of firearms for criminals in the Northern District of Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida operates as one of 94 offices serving as principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. More information about its activities can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
