A federal jury in Tampa has found Ataire Carl Ray, a 30-year-old resident of Tampa, guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The jury also determined that Ray qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal due to his history of at least three serious violent or drug offenses. As a result, Ray faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and could be sentenced to life in federal prison. The sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that on April 1, 2022, Ray was involved in an argument where he brandished a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine while making threats. Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to the scene, prompting Ray to flee and discard the loaded firearm onto a neighboring property. The weapon was quickly recovered by law enforcement, and Ray was apprehended shortly thereafter about a block away. At that time, Ray had multiple prior felony convictions which legally prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Tampa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth prosecuted the case, while Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench handled forfeiture proceedings.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to unite various levels of law enforcement and communities in efforts to reduce violent crime and gun violence, thereby enhancing neighborhood safety. On May 26, 2021, the Department implemented a strategy aimed at reducing violent crime by reinforcing PSN through principles such as fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.