Florida Men Indicted For Federal Drug and Gun Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TAVARISS DAVIS (“DAVIS”), age 44, and TOBEY FITCHETT (“FITCHETT”), age 45, of Perry, Florida, were charged in a four-count indictment on February 14, 2025 with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act.

According to the filed indictment, on or about August 1, 2024, DAVIS allegedly possessed with intent to distribute, five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and possessed a firearm, a Taurus Model GC3, nine-millimeter handgun, in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Additionally, DAVIS was previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in Florida, that prohibited him from possessing that firearm.

On or about August 1, 2024 FITCHETT was previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in Florida, that, likewise, prohibited FITCHETT from possessing a firearm.

DAVIS was indicted in Count 1 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(B). If convicted of Count 1, DAVIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

DAVIS was also indicted in Count 2 for Possession of a Firearm, in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  If convicted of Count 2, DAVIS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years  up to   life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

FITCHETT was indicted in Count 3 for  possessing a firearm, having previously been convicted of a felony. Specifically, FITCHETT is accused of possessing a Taurus Model GC3, nine-millimeter handgun.  If convicted, FITCHETT faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

DAVIS was also indicted in Count 4 for  possessing a firearm having previously been convicted of a felony.  Specifically, DAVIS is accused of possessing a Taurus Model GC3, nine-millimeter handgun.  If convicted, DAVIS faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

The defendants also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.