TAMPA, FL – A Tampa man is facing serious federal time after admitting to illegally packing heat. Ahmid Cecil Lewis, 27, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been scheduled, but Lewis is already looking at a lengthy stay in a federal penitentiary.
The case stems from a brazen display of road rage back on August 12, 2016. A 911 call alerted Tampa Police to a driver on Busch Boulevard who wasn’t just cutting people off – he was allegedly waving a pistol. The complainant reported that Lewis, behind the wheel of his vehicle, had aggressively cut him off and then brandished a handgun.
Responding officers with the Tampa Police Department quickly located Lewis’ car and initiated a traffic stop. Lewis was the sole occupant. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded .40 caliber pistol stashed under the driver’s seat. It wasn’t a concealed carry permit issue; it was a complete prohibition. Lewis, as a convicted felon, was legally barred from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition.
Federal investigators quickly took over, building a case that highlighted the dangerous combination of a prior criminal record and easy access to a deadly weapon. The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined forces with the Tampa Police Department to ensure Lewis would face the full weight of federal law. This wasn’t a simple traffic violation; it was a clear and present danger to the public.
Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout is prosecuting the case, determined to send a message that illegally possessing firearms will not be tolerated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by A. Lee Bentley, III, has made it clear they are committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from owning them, and this case is a prime example of that commitment.
Lewis now awaits sentencing, his future uncertain. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the outcome. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor incidents, like a road rage dispute, can quickly escalate into serious federal crimes with severe consequences.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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