Fort Myers, Florida –Desmond Belmer (25, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to three years and five months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Belmer previously pleaded guilty on June 25, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records and documents, on June 17, 2025, Belmer—a previously convicted felon—unlawfully possessed a loaded Glock firearm. Then, on December 11, 2025, when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Belmer’s residence, they located and seized a loaded AR-style pistol and assorted ammunition and firearms-related accessories belonging to Belmer. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. PSN is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.