U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced William Earl Union, Jr., 32, of Jacksonville, to seven years in federal prison for possession of firearms by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Union to forfeit a Mossberg shotgun, a Smith and Wesson revolver, and all related ammunition. Union pleaded guilty to the charge on August 22, 2024.
According to court documents, on November 25, 2023, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at a residence on Rugby Road. Upon arrival, EMTs and JFRD found Union, who had sustained chest injuries and burns to his hands. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.
JSO officers observed blood drops on the front porch and followed a blood trail into the backyard, where they discovered signs of a blast near a stone fire pit. The JSO Hazardous Devices Unit examined the site and found a drywall screw and two live shotgun shells. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence, where they found three firearms, including a Taurus International pistol, a Smith and Wesson revolver, and a Mossberg shotgun.
Union had prior felony convictions, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, dealing in stolen property, burglary, grand theft auto, and possession of cocaine. As a result, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.
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