GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a federal courtroom, 43-year-old Terry Lajace Lee admitted to unlawfully possessing a firearm as someone with a criminal record. The announcement came from John P. Heekin, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized, “We remain steadfast in our enforcement of the law and in our commitment to safeguarding our communities from dangerous offenders like this repeat criminal. The residents of Northern Florida deserve to experience tranquility and safety, and my office intends to ensure this through persistent and effective prosecutions.”
According to court records, Lee was pulled over during a traffic stop on February 21, 2026, where it was discovered he was driving with a suspended license. Further investigation of him and his vehicle uncovered marijuana and a handgun. His four previous felony convictions make it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
Lee could face a prison sentence of up to fifteen years.
His sentencing is planned for October 20, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, overseen by Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.