Lee Manuel Colson, a 45-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has been found guilty by a federal jury for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Our community is safer now that we are returning this repeat felon back behind bars where he belongs. My office is fully committed to fulfill the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting and aggressively prosecuting the criminals victimizing our communities. Thanks to the tenacious prosecutors in my office and the hard work of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous felon will be removed from our streets.”
The trial evidence revealed that on July 11, 2024, during a search conducted by the United States Probation Office at Colson’s residence, two pistols were discovered in his bedroom drawer. Colson acknowledged the presence of these firearms. He has 22 prior felony convictions, including previous federal offenses related to drug trafficking and firearms, which resulted in a 90-month prison sentence.
Colson may face up to 17 years in prison at sentencing along with an additional term of supervised release.
The investigation involved several agencies including the United States Probation Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in this case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph A. Ravelo and James A. McCain.
Sentencing is set for September 10, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. The operation leverages resources from various Department of Justice task forces.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 offices under the direction of the Attorney General handling litigation across the nation. Public court documents can be accessed through their website for more information about their operations.
