A Florida man filed a Second Amendment-related lawsuit over false imprisonment that should be closely watched by everyone who treasures the right to keep and bear arms.
William Michael Brewer alleges that he was held in the Martin County Jail for fourteen days due to an FBI clerical error. A national crime database listed a long-ago offense as a felony when it was in fact only a misdemeanor, according to the plaintiff.
Simple firearm transaction landed plaintiff behind bars for two weeks
He attempted to buy a Glock 26 in Jensen Beach, paid for the transaction, and dutifully waited to take possession of his lawful weapon. However, he was told that the purchase was denied.
Law enforcement flagged Brewer as a felon attempting to commit an illegal act, and he was arrested and held for 14 days. Prosecutors eventually realized what transpired and dropped charges, but Brewer wants local officials to pay for ripping away his freedom.
Arrested man wants others to avoid the trap he fell into
“I’m not a felon. I have a real estate license; I have a concealed carry license out of Kentucky.” Brewer told reporters. “I’m speaking out because I don’t want anyone else to have to go through this.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement flagged the attempted purchase, and Martin County Sheriff’s officials were notified. Going by the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, local authorities believed that he had a felony arrest in Kentucky years ago.
That charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and there are no indications that it was listed as a felony elsewhere, other than with the FBI.
When local deputies later pulled Brewer over, he quickly revealed that his weapon was in his workbag. According to arrest footage, he told officers multiple times that he was not a felon and that he, in fact, had a Kentucky concealed carry permit.
Something the Bluegrass State would hardly give to a convicted felon. But in Florida, Brewer was arrested and charged as a felon in possession of a weapon.
Now, he’s suing the Sheriff’s Office, alleging false arrest, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution.
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