Tampa, FL – A convicted felon has been sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition after a violent confrontation in Tampa.
Ataire Carl Ray, 30, was given the harsh sentence by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday for violating federal laws by possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Ray qualified as an Armed Career Criminal after having committed at least three prior serious violent or drug offenses.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on April 1, 2022, Ray got into an argument with someone and began waving around a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine, making various threats. Tampa Police Department officers were called to the scene and approached Ray, who ran and threw the loaded gun into a neighboring property, where it was quickly recovered. Ray was apprehended about a block away from where he threw the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, the program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to make neighborhoods safer.
Ray’s lengthy prison sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaking federal laws. As a convicted felon, Ray had already been prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, and his actions put the lives of innocent people at risk.
Residents of Tampa can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that a violent offender has been held accountable for their actions. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on any developments.
The defendant’s name is Ataire Carl Ray, and he was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department.
Related Federal Cases
- Michael R. Synychak, Illicit Vape Sales, Florida 2023 · New York
- Naomi Ruth Smith, Child Sex Trafficking, Maryland Florida 2023 · Massachusetts
- Duval County Public Schools, Employment Discrimination, Florida, 2023 · Alabama
- Lawrence Destefano, Ghost Gun Ring Operation, Florida, 2023 · New York
- Raees Alam Qazi, Terrorism and Attempted Marshal Murder, Florida, 2023 · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News