Chadwick Lemaine, a 26-year-old from Orlando with prior felony convictions, has admitted to illegal firearm possession. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Lemaine is now facing up to 15 years in federal prison with his sentencing scheduled for October 31.
A routine traffic stop on May 26, 2023, by an Orlando Police officer put Lemaine back in the crosshairs of the law after narcotics and a firearm were found in his vehicle. With prior convictions in 2018 and 2019, possessing a gun wasn't just illegal for Lemaine, it was a direct violation of the terms that come after a felon has paid their debt to society. A DNA analysis further tightened the case, confirming his connection to the firearm recovered.
The joint investigation efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department brought this violation to light. Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate is handling the prosecution of this case, which is part of the larger Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
Launched in May 2021, the Department of Justice's strategy to reduce violent crime has strengthened Project Safe Neighborhoods. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this includes setting clear enforcement priorities and "measuring the results."
