Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Firearm As A Convicted Felon

Tampa, Florida – Jauwan Smith (22, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the facts presented at the plea hearing, on the evening of March 6, 2018, officers from the Tampa Police Department observed Smith walking near Chelsea Street and 25^th Street North in Tampa. When the officers approached Smith and engaged him in conversation, he admitted that he was armed with a gun. The officers then found a loaded 7.56 mm caliber pistol, containing seven rounds of ammunition, in his waistband.

In 2014, in Hillsborough County, Smith was convicted of felony offenses, including armed robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a result, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.