Convicted felon sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm (DOJ)

Orlando, Florida - Jaloni McGhee (42) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. McGhee was found guilty on June 8, 2026, following a bench trial. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on October 11, 2025, officers from the Orlando Police Department conducted a traffic stop near Raleigh Street and Lenox Boulevard based on an alleged traffic violation. Upon approaching the SUV, the officers smelled the distinct odor of burnt cannabis emitting from the vehicle. McGhee was in the front passenger seat.

Upon learning that neither McGhee nor the driver had a medical marijuana card, the officers ordered both occupants out of the vehicle. The driver exited without issue. McGhee claimed that he had been shot in his upper right leg and stabbed in his left leg the week before in Jacksonville, and that due to his injuries he had difficulty moving his legs. Officers attempted to escort McGhee out of the vehicle for approximately five minutes. During this time, McGhee scooted across the seat and retrieved a firearm from under his buttocks and hunched his body forward. Officers gave McGhee several commands to drop the firearm. It took several officers to get McGhee to the ground and recover the firearm. The firearm was loaded, with one round in the chamber.

At the time of the offense, McGhee had multiple prior felony convictions. In May 2004, he was convicted of attempted robbery and sentenced to six months in jail followed by a term of probation. In July 2014, McGhee was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment. In December 2022, McGhee was convicted of sale or delivery of fentanyl and sentenced to 22 months in the Florida Department of Corrections. As a convicted felon, McGhee was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.