Tampa Republic

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that William Earl Union, Jr. (32, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on November 25, 2023, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to a 911 call of shots fired at a residence located along Rugby Road in Jacksonville. Upon their arrival, JFRD and EMTs encountered Union, Jr., who had sustained what appeared to be penetration wounds near his chest and multiple injuries to his hands, including burns. EMTs transported Union, Jr. to the hospital for medical treatment.

JSO officers observed blood drops on the front porch of the residence and a blood trail leading toward the center of the backyard. Officers entered the backyard to conduct a protective sweep of the area and followed the blood trail to what appeared to be a blast site near a stone fire pit. The JSO Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) examined the blast site and observed a single drywall screw partially submerged in the dirt. Officers also found two live 12-gauge shotgun shells on the ground.

JSO detectives secured a search warrant for the residence for explosives, firearms, and ammunition. Inside the residence, JSO found three firearms: a Taurus International P22 (22 caliber pistol), a Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight (38 caliber revolver), and a Mossberg 500A 12-gauge shotgun.

Prior to November 25, 2023, Union, Jr. had been convicted of several felony offenses including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, dealing in stolen property, burglary, grand theft auto, and possession of cocaine. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.

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