Bahamian national convicted of illegal gun possession in South Florida
Key Points(5)
- A Bahamian national who was unlawfully present in the United States and is wanted for murder in the Bahamas has pleaded guilty in federal court in South Florida to illegal firearm possession, prosecutors said.
- According to the U.S.
- Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Shelton Thompson, 38, was found to have been living in the United States without authorization since August 2024.
- Authorities said the case began after a traffic stop led law enforcement to determine his immigration status, prompting further investigation.
- A search of Thompson’s residence later uncovered a firearm, which he was prohibited from possessing under U.S.
A Bahamian national who was unlawfully present in the United States and is wanted for murder in the Bahamas has pleaded guilty in federal court in South Florida to illegal firearm possession, prosecutors said.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Shelton Thompson, 38, was found to have been living in the United States without authorization since August 2024. Authorities said the case began after a traffic stop led law enforcement to determine his immigration status, prompting further investigation.
A search of Thompson’s residence later uncovered a firearm, which he was prohibited from possessing under U.S. federal law due to his immigration status.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said the case underscores the importance of strict enforcement of immigration and firearms laws in the region.
“South Florida's proximity to international borders makes vigorous enforcement of immigration and firearms laws essential to public safety,” he said. “Individuals who enter or remain in this country unlawfully and illegally possess firearms will be investigated and prosecuted.”
Thompson faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal judge will determine his sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Miami Field Office, along with the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard, investigated the case. Prosecutors said the matter was handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Pierce under the Border and Immigration Crimes Enforcement (BICE) Section.
The BICE unit, established in November 2025, focuses on border-related crimes, including immigration violations, narcotics trafficking, fraud, and violent crime, as part of a coordinated enforcement strategy in South Florida.
