Executive Summary
- Justin Stephen Lombard of West Palm Beach has been federally indicted on charges of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and possessing a machinegun.
- If convicted, Lombard faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
- Lombard’s case falls under “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling criminal organizations, and enhancing community safety by targeting violent crime.
Laws and Precedent
- The defendant faces federal charges for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and possessing a machinegun, indicating prosecution under federal statutes related to controlled substances and firearms. This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative that leverages federal resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle criminal organizations, and enhance community safety by targeting violent crime perpetrators, integrating efforts from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
A West Palm Beach man, Justin Stephen Lombard, 22, has been indicted in federal court on charges of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and possessing a machinegun. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, marking a significant federal action against alleged drug and firearms offenses.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Lombard faces serious federal charges, specifically for the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and the unlawful possession of a machinegun. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, underscoring the severity of the alleged offenses.
Judicial Proceedings
Lombard made his initial appearance for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick on August 8, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. His trial is currently scheduled to commence on September 22, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation into Lombard’s case is a collaborative effort involving federal and local law enforcement agencies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) are jointly conducting the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting the case for the government.
Operation Take Back America
This case falls under the umbrella of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative. The operation aims to leverage federal resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and enhance community safety by targeting violent crime perpetrators. It integrates efforts from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to note that an indictment represents an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has violated federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are entitled to a fair trial, where the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charges against Lombard highlight the ongoing federal commitment to addressing serious drug and firearms offenses within communities, particularly those linked to broader initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and dismantling organized criminal enterprises.
