Convicted Felon Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing Firearm During Police Chase

Fort Myers, Florida - U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Christopher George Montgomery (30, Port Saint Lucie) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Montgomery to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Montgomery pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025.

According to court documents, Montgomery was subject to a county-wide "be on the lookout" announcement for offenses he allegedly committed previously. His vehicle was located in Desoto County and fled Arcadia Police Department Officers. After Montgomery's vehicle got stuck on an embankment, he fled on foot but was ultimately arrested. Officers retraced Montgomery's flight path and located a chamber-loaded Glock pistol in a drainage culvert along the path where Montgomery had fled. Officers also found a loaded Glock extended magazine in Montgomery's vehicle.

Montgomery is a convicted felon, and as a result, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Arcadia Police Department, the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).