United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Taqiy Lewis, a 27-year-old from Lakeland, Florida. Lewis is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison.

The complaint details an incident on December 24, 2020, involving a shootout outside the home of M.C., a 70-year-old woman in Lakeland. M.C. was killed after being struck twice by gunfire, and A.L., a thirteen-year-old child, was also wounded during the event.

More than two years later, on February 9, 2023, ATF special agents and officers from the Lakeland Police Department discovered a Kahr CM9 9mm pistol while executing a search warrant for an unrelated investigation. Forensic testing confirmed that this firearm was used in the shooting that resulted in M.C.'s death and A.L.'s injury. Investigations further linked six casings from the crime scene and projectiles recovered from nearby locations to Lewis and the weapon he allegedly possessed at the time of the shooting.

Under federal law, Lewis was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his status as a convicted felon.

The case is under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Lakeland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes will prosecute the case.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department's violent crime reduction strategy emphasizes trust-building within communities, supporting violence prevention initiatives, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.