Malik Ray, a 28-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “This case is another outstanding example of state and federal law enforcement partnering to protect the citizens of North Florida. My office is committed safeguarding our communities against the predations of violent felons by keeping those offenders off our streets.”
According to court documents, on October 22, 2024, officers from Florida Probation and Parole and the Tallahassee Police Department searched Ray’s residence as part of his probation terms. During this search, they found an AR-style pistol, more than five pounds of marijuana, and other evidence related to drug distribution. Further investigation indicated that Ray had been distributing marijuana since at least March 2024.
Ray could face up to twenty years in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release when sentenced.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with support from the Florida Department of Corrections’ Office of Community Corrections for Circuit Two. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a national initiative led by the Department of Justice that coordinates resources to address illegal immigration issues, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and combat violent crime through programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices serving as principal litigators under guidance from the Attorney General. Additional information about public court documents can be found at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
