Eddie Lee Shular Jr., a 36-year-old resident of Tallahassee, has pleaded guilty in federal court to 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.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “I applaud the excellent work of our local and federal partners to make our community safer by getting this dangerous individual off the streets. My office remains committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting criminals who are endangering our communities with the full force of the law.”
According to court documents, in March 2025, an officer from the Tallahassee Police Department discovered a vehicle illegally parked overnight at Jack McLean Park. Upon approaching the vehicle, which had two occupants inside, the officer detected marijuana odor and observed drug paraphernalia. A search led to the discovery of a firearm in the glovebox. DNA testing later identified Shular’s DNA on the weapon.
Shular has 17 prior felony convictions and now faces up to 15 years in prison.
The investigation was conducted by both the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is set for November 6, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative that brings together resources from various Department of Justice programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) to address violent crime and criminal organizations nationwide.
As part of its PSN strategy, officials are urging residents to lock their car doors at night because unlocked vehicles have been a frequent source of firearms used in crimes within Northern Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices serving as principal litigators under direction from the Attorney General. More information about public court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
