Jauwan Smith, Possessing A Firearm Near A School Zone, Florida 2018

A Tampa man has pleaded guilty to a serious crime that put students at risk. Jauwan Smith, 22, admitted to possessing a loaded firearm near a school zone, a violation of federal law.

According to court documents, Tampa Police officers observed Smith walking near Chelsea and 25th Street North in Tampa on the evening of March 6, 2018. When approached by officers, Smith admitted to being armed with a gun, and a subsequent search revealed a CZ model 7.56mm caliber pistol, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, in his waistband.

The firearm was found within 1,000 feet of the grounds of the Charles J. Ferrell Middle Magnet School, a public middle school for girls in Hillsborough County, Florida. This is a serious offense, punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer is prosecuting the case.

Smith’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of possessing a firearm near a school zone.

This is not the first time that Florida has seen cases of gun violence near schools. The state has implemented various measures to prevent such incidents, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of students.

The community is calling for stricter gun laws and increased security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Jauwan Smith is currently awaiting sentencing. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.

As the community comes together to demand change, it is essential to remember that gun violence near schools is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.