TAMPA, FL – Damien Boatwright, 23, of Tampa, is facing over six years behind bars after a federal judge sentenced him Wednesday for illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven handed down a sentence of six years and five months for the convicted felon who brazenly displayed a handgun online.
The case stems from an incident on February 23, 2022, when Boatwright was caught on an Instagram Live video brandishing a Glock 26 handgun. Investigators say Boatwright was traveling in a vehicle in Hillsborough County when he displayed the weapon, which was equipped with a large-capacity magazine holding 24 rounds of ammunition. The online display immediately drew the attention of both local and federal authorities.
Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Boatwright’s prior felony conviction disqualified him from legally owning a firearm. The sentencing includes the forfeiture of the Glock 26, the high-capacity magazine, and all associated ammunition. Sources close to the investigation indicate Boatwright has a prior criminal history, though details were not immediately released.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the case, highlighting a collaborative effort to curb gun violence in the region. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and lengthy sentence.
Authorities are framing the case as a success under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations. The program’s recent strengthening, launched in May 2021, focuses on building trust, supporting preventative initiatives, and strategic enforcement.
While officials tout the sentencing as a win for public safety, critics argue the focus should be on addressing the root causes of crime. Boatwright’s case adds to the growing number of individuals facing federal charges for firearm-related offenses in Florida, a state grappling with ongoing concerns about gun violence. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on the broader trends in federal crime enforcement.
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