Tampa, FL – A federal jury has found Ataire Carl Ray, 30, Tampa, guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
The jury further found that Ray is an Armed Career Criminal after having committed at least three prior serious violent or drug offenses.
Ray faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to evidence presented at trial, on April 1, 2022, Ray got into an argument during which he waived around a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine, while making various threats.
Officers from the Tampa Police Department were called to the scene and approached Ray, who ran and threw the loaded firearm into a neighboring property, where it was quickly recovered.
Ray was apprehended about a block away from where he had thrown the firearm. At the time, Ray had multiple prior felony convictions and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
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.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant/Respondent: Ataire Carl Ray, Crime: Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon, City and State: Tampa, FL, Exact Date: April 1, 2022, Sentence or Outcome: Minimum 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: The Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime|Gun Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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