Nashville, TN – In a disturbing case of disregard for community safety, a local gang member has been convicted of multiple drug trafficking and firearms offenses, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Christopher Ray Moody, 29, of Nashville, was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury of his crimes, which included cooking crack cocaine for distribution near Jones Paideia Elementary School.
Moody, who had a previous felony record involving multiple drug trafficking felonies and a robbery-related conviction, faces a substantial sentence that could reduce the threat of drug dealing and illegal gun possession in the community, according to U.S. Attorney David Rivera.
According to the proof at trial, Moody was a street gang member who repeatedly cooked multiple ounces of crack cocaine for distribution at a residence near the elementary school. He also kept firearms at this location, including a compact semi-automatic style firearm that he had previously obtained in a drug transaction.
Moody was arrested on unrelated state charges in April 2009, but while he was incarcerated, investigators determined that he had instructed his girlfriend to hold his drugs and a gun for him so that he could start drug trafficking again when he completed his state sentence.
After his release from custody in May 2010, Moody went back to drug trafficking at the same residence, and a federal search warrant was issued in February 2011 that resulted in his arrest, as well as the seizure of evidence showing that he cooked crack cocaine. Shotgun shells were also found at the home.
Moody will be sentenced on February 14, 2014, by Chief Judge William Haynes, Jr. Because of his prior felony record, he is exposed to a sentence of up to life in prison.
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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