Crime & Safety
FL Felon Who Shot Self In Leg Pleads Guilty To Gun Charge: U.S. DOJ
A convicted felon from Brooksville shot himself in the leg while live streaming on social media, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
BROOKSVILLE, FL — A Florida man who shot himself in the leg has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.
James Hilligardt, 21, of Brooksville faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date hasn’t been set.
Hilligardt shot himself in the leg while live streaming on social media on Jan. 23, the DOJ said.
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office deputies who responded to the scene found him in possession of a sawed-off shotgun.
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Investigators learned that he repeatedly posted images of himself with firearms and ammunition.
They also found a second shotgun that Hilligardt owned, which had been buried in a yard, the DOJ said.
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As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
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