KEY POINTS
- Kemmye Jimbryl Watson was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for illegally possessing and selling a firearm.
- Watson’s sentence was due to his prior felony convictions, which prohibited him from owning a firearm under federal law.
- The case was a result of a collaborative effort between the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
A Belle Glade man with an extensive criminal history was sentenced Monday to nearly four years in federal prison for illegally possessing and selling a firearm in Southwest Florida. U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell handed down the 46-month sentence to Kemmye Jimbryl Watson, 29, in a Fort Myers federal courtroom. Watson, who had previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced specifically for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, a serious federal offense designed to keep weapons out of the hands of those with a proven history of violent crime.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Chappell ordered Watson to forfeit the pistol he sold during the offense. The sentence follows Watson’s guilty plea on March 25, 2025, which admitted his culpability in the crime.
The case against Watson dates back to an incident on August 1, 2024, in Lehigh Acres. According to court documents, Watson knowingly sold a pistol to another individual in exchange for $500. This transaction was a direct violation of federal law due to his status as a convicted felon.
Federal Law and Prohibited Persons
At the heart of this case is a critical piece of federal legislation, specifically Title 18, Section 922(g)(1) of the U.S. Code. This statute makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition.
The law is a cornerstone of federal firearms enforcement, aimed at reducing violent crime by disarming individuals who have already demonstrated a willingness to commit serious offenses. The prohibition is absolute and applies regardless of how much time has passed since the prior conviction.
Possession under this statute can be interpreted in two ways: actual and constructive. Actual possession means the firearm is physically on the person, such as in a pocket or waistband. Constructive possession means the individual has knowledge of the firearm and the ability to control it, even if it is not on their person, such as being stored in their home or vehicle.
Watson’s Disqualifying Criminal Record
Watson’s eligibility for this federal charge was based on his significant criminal record in Florida. At the time he sold the pistol, he had accumulated multiple felony convictions that legally barred him from ever owning a weapon again.
His prior convictions included aggravated assault with a firearm, trespass while armed, and robbery by sudden snatching. The nature of these offenses, particularly those involving the use of a weapon, underscores the public safety rationale behind the federal prohibition.
A Collaborative Law Enforcement Effort
The successful investigation and prosecution of Watson highlight the essential partnership between local and federal law enforcement agencies. The case was investigated jointly by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Often, local police departments will initiate contact or an investigation, with the ATF lending its specialized expertise in firearms laws, trafficking, and tracing. This collaboration allows for cases that violate federal statutes to be prosecuted in the federal system, which can often carry more severe penalties than state-level charges.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Morgan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. This office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes that occur within a 35-county area in the state.
The sentencing of Kemmye Jimbryl Watson serves as a clear example of the federal government’s commitment to enforcing firearms laws, particularly against individuals with violent criminal histories. By removing repeat offenders who illegally arm themselves from the community, authorities aim to prevent future acts of violence. This case reinforces the severe consequences awaiting convicted felons who choose to defy federal law by possessing or trafficking firearms.
