Fort Myers Felon Sentenced To More Than 3 Years For Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Ernest Jeshad Foster (32, Fort Myers) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Foster to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Foster entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024.

According to court records, on August 23, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle in which Foster was the front seat passenger. Upon approaching the vehicle, law enforcement observed Foster reaching into the glove compartment and quickly shutting it. As soon as Foster exited the car, the glove compartment popped open and officers saw a firearm, which was later identified as loaded Taurus handgun. As a seven-time convicted felon, Foster is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.     

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

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 to make out 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 our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.