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Convicted Felon’s AR-Style Firearm Possession Lands Him in Court: What You Need to Know

Hudgins pleaded guilty to firearm possession as a felon, faces 15 years. Arrest stemmed from traffic stop.

September 19, 2025, 6:58 PM

AR-15 rifle with red dot sight on a gunsmith's workbench

An AR-15 rifle with a mounted red dot sight rests on a workbench in a gunsmith's workshop, surrounded by cleaning tools. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Earl Vincent Hudgins III pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Hudgins was found with an AR-style firearm during a traffic stop, and investigators found corroborating social media posts.

He faces a maximum sentence of fifteen years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 16, 2025.

Laws and Precedent

The defendant pleaded guilty to the federal crime of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, a charge under federal law that prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. This offense carries a potential maximum sentence of fifteen years in federal prison, underscoring the severe penalties for violating federal gun control statutes designed to enhance public safety.

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Earl Vincent Hudgins III, 32, of Pensacola, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, stemming from an incident where Hudgins was found with an AR-style firearm despite his prohibited status.

Details of the Offense

Court documents reveal that on February 16, 2025, Hudgins was stopped for a traffic infraction. During the stop, law enforcement discovered an AR-style firearm loaded with 15 rounds of .300 caliber ammunition in his vehicle. As a convicted felon, Hudgins was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

Investigators later found multiple social media posts by Hudgins showing him in possession of the same firearm. He also posted a video during the traffic stop itself, captioned with the phrase, “Bout to go to jail,” further corroborating his awareness of his impending arrest.

Prosecutorial Statement

U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin emphasized the importance of the conviction. “I deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to keep our streets safe,” Heekin stated. “Keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is a major part of that effort. My office will continue to aggressively pursue prosecutions against repeat offenders, like this defendant, as long as it takes to make our communities safe.”

Potential Penalties and Sentencing

As a result of his guilty plea, Hudgins faces a maximum sentence of fifteen years in federal prison. If a term of imprisonment is imposed, it could be followed by up to three years of supervised release. Any violation of the conditions of his supervised release could lead to additional incarceration.

U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers will preside over Hudgins’ sentencing, which is scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

Investigation and Prosecution

The case was a collaborative investigation conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher C. Patterson and Jennifer H. Callahan are prosecuting the case.

The guilty plea of Earl Vincent Hudgins III underscores the ongoing commitment of federal and local law enforcement agencies to remove illegal firearms from the streets and hold convicted felons accountable for their actions. This prosecution is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety in the Northern District of Florida.