Tyran Terrell Harris, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Florida 2024

OCALA, FL – Tyran Terrell Harris, 24, of Leesburg, is looking at a potential decade and a half behind bars after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm. Harris pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a violation of federal law. The plea, entered this week, comes after an indictment handed down by a federal grand jury on December 12, 2023.

The case unfolded on September 25, 2023, when officers with the Leesburg Police Department spotted Harris walking through an apartment complex, openly carrying a loaded handgun. Officers immediately recognized Harris from prior encounters and were aware of his extensive criminal history. Knowing he was a convicted felon, they moved to arrest him and secure the weapon.

The firearm wasn’t just illegally in Harris’s possession – it was stolen. A subsequent check revealed the gun had been reported missing approximately two weeks prior to the September 25th incident. Harris reportedly confessed to officers that he knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearms due to his prior convictions. His rap sheet includes multiple felony convictions for grand theft, tampering with a witness, and grand theft auto – a clear pattern of disregard for the law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined the Leesburg Police Department in the investigation, building the case against Harris. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Nowalk is prosecuting the case, and will be seeking a sentence that reflects the seriousness of Harris’s repeated offenses and the danger he posed to the public.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the guilty plea, framing the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement efforts. The program emphasizes building trust with communities and focusing on strategic enforcement priorities. But for the residents of Leesburg, it’s about taking another dangerous individual off the streets.

Harris now faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, leaving Harris to contemplate his choices while awaiting the judge’s decision. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it is announced.

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