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By Staff Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Curtis Lee Smith-Carter, 28, has admitted guilt in federal court to the charge of firearm possession as a convicted felon. This development was revealed by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the significance of this case, stating, “Removing this repeat offender from our streets fulfills a crucial objective of Operation Take Back America. This initiative harnesses the full power of the Department of Justice to safeguard our communities from violent crime. My office is committed to rigorously prosecuting and seeking the maximum penalties for habitual offenders, like the defendant, to ensure the safety and peace of the Northern District of Florida’s residents.”
Details of the Arrest
Smith-Carter was apprehended on November 8, 2025, after an officer from the Gainesville Police Department observed suspicious behavior. The officer noted that Smith-Carter quickly picked up his backpack and walked away upon seeing the officer’s arrival at the back lot of Food Max, located at 1304 E. University Avenue. This area was described by the officer as being known for high levels of drug activity and crime.
The officer reported that Smith-Carter started running toward the front of the store, and when the officer got out of his car and told Smith-Carter to stop (including warnings that a K-9 was at the scene), Smith-Carter allegedly continued running, discarded his backpack into a pile of hot ashes where a fire was burning, and threw a .32 caliber pistol over the chain link fence. The officer reported that Smith-Carter’s backpack contained a holster that “perfectly fit” the handgun that was found on the other side of the fence.
Post Miranda, Smith-Carter reportedly admitted to possessing a handgun, although he has nine felony convictions; he said he found it and kept it because he doesn’t like to fight. Smith-Carter was originally arrested on state charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, tampering with evidence, and resisting an officer without violence, but those charges were dropped after the federal indictment was filed.
Smith-Carter is being held without bail until his federal trial.
Faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment
Smith-Carter faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
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.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before United States Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.