Tampa, Florida – William Roger Clayton, a 41-year-old resident of Arcadia, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Clayton now faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

Court documents reveal that on July 28, 2022, Clayton arranged for an undercover ATF agent to meet him in Arcadia. During the meeting, he offered several firearms for sale including a Ruger Mini-14 .223 caliber rifle, a Mauser 6.5 caliber rifle, a VZ24 6.5 caliber rifle, a Tokarev 7.62mm caliber pistol, and a Romarm-Cugir 7.62mm pistol. Additionally, Clayton indicated his ability to sell silencers and "ghost guns," which are untraceable firearms manufactured privately.

Clayton has multiple prior felony convictions such as grand theft, trafficking in stolen property, and robbery among others. Federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition due to these convictions.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael J. Buchanan are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust within communities and supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.