Tallahassee Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm, Weed Distribution

Crime headlines often bring a stark reminder of the violent underbelly in some American cities, and Tallahassee, Florida, is no exception. Malik Ray, 28, has entered a guilty plea in federal court, admitting to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, John P. Heekin, hailed the partnership between state and federal law enforcement agencies that led to Ray’s conviction. “This case is another outstanding example of state and federal law enforcement partnering to protect the citizens of North Florida,” Heekin said.

On October 22, 2024, officers from the Florida Probation and Parole and the Tallahassee Police Department searched Ray’s residence during a probation check. What they found was an AR-style pistol, over five pounds of marijuana, and evidence of drug dealing, according to court documents.

The investigation further revealed that Ray had been distributing marijuana since at least March 2024. The defendant now faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release upon sentencing.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch is prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, one of 94 offices under the Attorney General’s direction, is committed to safeguarding communities against predators like Ray. For public court documents, visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or learn more about the office at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

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