Clewiston Felon Pleads Guilty To Firearms And Drug Trafficking Offenses

Fort Myers, Florida - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Javier Velasquez, Jr. (38, Clewiston) has pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of cocaine, three counts of felon in possession of firearms, one count of illegal possession of a machinegun, and one count of carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Velasquez faces a minimum mandatory penalty of five years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to court documents, between July 13 and September 19, 2023, Velasquez sold an undercover federal agent cocaine, multiple firearms, and a Glock switch. A Glock switch enables a semi-automatic firearm to operate as a fully functioning machine gun. Velasquez is a convicted felon and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.