Clearwater Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years Behind Bars
Tampa, Florida – In a harsh punishment for his repeated crimes, Michael Anthony Moody, a 28-year-old Clearwater man, was sentenced to 15 years and 9 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Moody’s lengthy criminal record, dating back to the age of 16, includes multiple violent crimes and narcotics offenses, which led to this sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
On May 8, 2012, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped Moody for a vehicle window tint violation. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic handgun, attached with a laser and pressure switch.
Moody attempted to destroy a marijuana joint while being stopped by deputies, further highlighting his disregard for the law.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josephine W. Thomas.
This sentence marks another success in the nation-wide gun-violence reduction strategy, ‘Project Safe Neighborhoods’, led by the ATF. United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill and Julie Torres, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, are coordinating the effort here in the Middle District of Florida, in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Moody pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2012, and the sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. reflects the severity of his crimes.
Moody’s long history of crime, coupled with his possession of a loaded firearm, has resulted in a significant punishment, and serves as a warning to those who would commit similar crimes.
RELATED: Clearwater Felons Busted with Illegal Firearms
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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