Gainesville man faces 15-year prison term after pleading guilty to federal gun charge

Samonta Leondre James, 26, faces a maximum of 15 years behind bars after pleading guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

James’s path to federal court began with a routine traffic stop in Gainesville. Officers pulled over a vehicle in which James was riding as a passenger. When asked if he carried weapons, James told law enforcement that he did. A search of the defendant revealed a Glock 29 10-millimeter handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.

Court records show that James has a history of prior convictions. He was previously found guilty of possession with intent to sell cannabis within 1,000 feet of a place of worship and possession with intent to sell cannabis. These prior felony convictions legally barred him from owning a firearm or ammunition.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tyler Fleming is handling the prosecution. U.S. Attorney Heekin praised the local police for their work in removing James from the streets. He stated, “I applaud the excellent investigative work by the Gainesville Police Department to remove this dangerous felon from our streets. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to make abundantly clear that the Northern District of Florida has zero tolerance for crime.”

The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative that coordinates federal, state, local, and tribal partners to combat violent crime. The program is designed to provide rapid federal responses and emphasize accountability through the prosecution of serious offenses. It operates as a key component of Operation Take Back America, aiming to address specific public safety challenges in targeted communities.

James’s sentencing is set for February 16, 2027. The hearing will take place at 1:30 p.m. before Chief United States District Court Judge Allen Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.