Tampa Republic

Jose Luis Lugo, a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, has entered a guilty plea for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Lugo is facing up to 15 years in federal prison with his sentencing set for December 18, 2024.

Court records indicate that Lugo, who is registered as a sex offender in Florida, has previous felony convictions dating back to 2004, with additional offenses recorded in 2005, 2014, and 2022. In July 2023, law enforcement observed him possessing and selling multiple firearms on two separate occasions. As someone with prior felony convictions, Lugo is barred from firearm possession under federal law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate is handling the prosecution.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021, focusing on building community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.