A Sarasota man, John Lewis, aged 34, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. This sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington, and came after Lewis pleaded guilty on August 6. Additionally, Lewis is required to forfeit a HS Produkt 9mm model XDS pistol and assorted ammunition, which were identified as proceeds of the offense, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In the early hours of November 30, 2023, a deputy observed Lewis running a red light and speeding in excess of 100 mph. Following a chase in which Lewis's vehicle ran over stop sticks and eventually crashed on a bridge near the Isle of Venice, the incident culminated in Lewis attempting to dramatically escape law enforcement by jumping off the bridge – only to desperately land on the Venetian Waterway Trail instead of the water. In his attempt to flee while injured, Lewis dropped a sandal, which was later found along with a loaded firearm.
Lewis was found by authorities hiding in a nearby shed, not far from where the matching sandal and the black semi-automatic firearm were discovered. Forensic testing confirmed that the firearm belonged to Lewis. Previously convicted on multiple felonies including aggravated assault, battery, firearm theft, drug possession, and other charges, Lewis was federally prohibited from firearm and ammunition possession. The series of convictions served as further grounding for the severity of his sentence.
The concerted efforts leading to the capture and conviction of Lewis were part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed to collaboratively reduce violent crime and gun violence. This program is a testament to the dedication to build safer communities through a synergized approach involving law enforcement agencies at all levels, and community-based organizations. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, this strategy was bolstered on May 26, 2021, aiming to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and local police departments were involved in the investigation, with the prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke M. Padgett.
