TAMPA, FL – Jauwan Smith, a 22-year-old resident of Tampa, Florida, has confessed to a dangerous lapse in judgment: possessing a loaded firearm dangerously close to a school brimming with young girls. Smith pleaded guilty today to the federal charge of possession of a firearm near a school zone, a move that could land him behind bars for years.
The incident unfolded on the evening of March 6, 2018, near the intersection of Chelsea and 25th Street North. According to court documents, Tampa Police officers spotted Smith walking in the area. A simple conversation quickly revealed a disturbing truth – Smith was carrying a gun. A search of his person yielded a CZ model 7.56mm caliber pistol, fully loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, tucked into his waistband.
But the location is what elevates this case from a simple weapons violation to a serious federal offense. Smith was within 1,000 feet of the grounds of Charles J. Ferrell Middle Magnet School, a public middle school specifically for girls in Hillsborough County. This proximity automatically triggers stricter penalties under federal law, designed to protect students and staff from gun violence.
Federal investigators quickly took over, with the FBI joining forces with the Tampa Police Department to build a solid case. The facts presented at the plea hearing left little room for doubt. Smith admitted to possessing the weapon in the restricted zone, effectively ending any chance of a protracted legal battle. Now, he awaits sentencing, with the shadow of a potential five-year federal prison term looming large.
Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer is prosecuting the case, determined to send a clear message that bringing firearms near schools will not be tolerated. While a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, sources close to the investigation indicate Hoffer will push for the maximum penalty, given the inherent danger posed by Smith’s actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to keep weapons out of the hands of individuals near vulnerable populations.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. Smith’s guilty plea is just one piece of the larger puzzle of gun violence in America, and we remain committed to exposing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable. This incident underscores the need for vigilance and robust law enforcement to protect our children and ensure the safety of our communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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