A convicted felon has been sentenced in Boston federal court for possessing a firearm and ammunition. Tarik Muhammad, 30, was given a 51-month prison term followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in October 2024 to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On February 4, 2023, Muhammad was denied access to the Encore Casino in Everett after security discovered he was carrying a firearm. Security officers informed law enforcement, but Muhammad left before their arrival. Casino surveillance captured Muhammad departing in a blue Toyota Rav 4. Subsequently, a notice was sent to law enforcement with details of the incident, including images of Muhammad and the vehicle.
Muhammad was located two days later driving the same vehicle in Roxbury. When law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, Muhammad fled, resulting in a high-speed chase that concluded after he crashed into a parked car. Although he tried to escape on foot, authorities apprehended him and discovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his waistband.
Due to previous felony convictions, including a June 2022 conviction in Boston for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, Muhammad is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. At the time of the offenses, he was on federal supervised release.
The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Tolkoff of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aims to reduce gun violence and violent crime by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/PSN.
