Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To More Than 19 Years In Prison For Firearm And Narcotics Charges

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jarquel Jenkins (28, Fort Myers) to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison for distributing a controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Jenkins had pleaded guilty on November 27, 2019.   

According to court documents, on three separate occasions in January and February 2019, Jenkins sold controlled substances (heroin and cocaine) to confidential informants. In February 2019, following a controlled purchase of narcotics from Jenkins, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Jenkins who fled from a parked vehicle. During the execution of a search warrant of the vehicle, officers seized various quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as a loaded firearm from the vehicle’s cup holder. As a previously convicted felon, Jenkins is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.