Tampa Republic

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced that JD Irons, Jr. (37, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Due to Irons’s criminal history—which includes at least three convictions for serious drug crimes—he faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2024.

According to court records, on December 8, 2023, Irons fled from officers with the Fort Myers Police Department who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Irons was the front-seat passenger. He was subsequently found hiding in a nearby apartment. Concealed in the glovebox of the vehicle from which Irons fled, officers discovered a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun. Irons was later forensically linked to the firearm through DNA testing. As a convicted felon who previously served time in prison, Irons is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. His criminal record includes multiple prison sentences for serious drug crimes involving cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; hence he faces enhanced sentencing for unlawfully possessing a firearm under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.