In Jacksonville, 25-year-old De'Quan Franks is set to spend the next four and a half years in federal prison—a penalty imposed for his illegal possession of a firearm. Details from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida state that the convicted felon, with a prior record, was caught with a pistol that not only violated his probation terms but was modified to function as a machine gun.
Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard laid down the law after Franks' guilty plea on December 18, 2024. This case originated with a post Franks shared on Instagram in October 2023, where he flaunted a Glock firearm. It was this social media activity that tipped off the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) detectives, who then managed to track and attempt an apprehend Franks. In a turn of evasive action, Franks attempted to flee, stumbled, and in the process, dropped the incriminating weapon—a Glock 10mm pistol loaded with an extended mag carrying 30 rounds and modified with a conversion device for fully automatic fire. The law prohibits felons from having their hands on firearms or ammo, but Franks was found in direct contravention of this federal stipulation.
The collaborative efforts of the JSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led to the successful investigation and subsequent prosecution of Franks, spearheaded by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Taylor. This incident falls under the overarching initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at forging unity among law enforcement levels and communities to decrease violent crimes and gun violence, thereby ensuring safety for all.
Launched by the Department on May 26, 2021, the program's strategy stands on pillars that include fostering trust and legitimacy between communities and law enforcement, backing community organizations that work to prevent violence proactively, prioritizing enforcement strategies, and evaluating the tangible outcomes. According to the Department of Justice, these principles are part of a greater blueprint for creating safer neighborhoods through concentrated efforts that prevent and reduce crime.
