Florida
Quincy Man Gun Possession Guilty Plea Entered in Federal Court
Tallahassee, Florida – Eric Felton Cooper Jr., 36, of Quincy, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the plea.
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Key points
- Eric Felton Cooper Jr., 36, of Quincy, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon.
- Law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call on January 18, 2026, after Cooper armed himself during an argument.
- Cooper faces up to 15 years in federal prison at his sentencing scheduled for January 15, 2027.
NewsWK — Quincy Federal authorities announced that Eric Felton Cooper Jr., 36, of Quincy, entered a guilty plea in Federal Court. Cooper admitted to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Specifically, United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida announced the guilty plea.
What led to the Quincy felon firearm charge?
Law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call regarding a firearm on January 18, 2026. Upon arrival, authorities learned that Cooper armed himself with a gun during an argument with another person. However, federal law prohibits convicted felons from carrying or owning firearms. Consequently, investigators opened a case against him.
Following the initial response, federal authorities formally indicted Cooper. He subsequently appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee for his arraignment. Cooper later decided to plead guilty to the single federal firearm count.
What penalties does Eric Felton Cooper Jr Quincy face?
Cooper now faces a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for the Offense. U.S. District Court Judge Mark E. Walker will preside over the upcoming sentencing hearing. Official records schedule that proceeding for January 15, 2027, at 11:00 a.m. in Tallahassee, Florida.
Who led the Northern District of Florida federal prosecution?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted a joint investigation alongside the Tallahassee Police Department. Meanwhile, Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting the case. Additionally, this case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods and Operation Take Back America.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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