Recently released convicted felon sentenced again for firearm

FLORIDA – A convicted felon who reportedly fled from lawmen in a stolen vehicle shortly after being released from prison is back behind bars after pleading guilty to a firearms offense.

U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Frederick Lamont Sams, 41, of Jacksonville, to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon. Sams pleaded guilty in December 2022.

According to court documents, on February 16, 2022, Sams was seen by a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officer driving a stolen vehicle. Officers followed Sams, which led to a pursuit, where Sams reportedly fled from the vehicle. As Sams was fleeing, he allegedly threw a Glock .45 caliber pistol loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, which was recovered once Sams was arrested.

Sams is a multi-convicted felon and was recently released from prison after having been convicted of burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO).

Sams was out of prison less than six months before committing this offense, the USAO said. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro prosecuted the case. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran will handle the forfeiture.