A Tampa man is under federal indictment for possessing firearms and ammunition, despite having a history of felony convictions which bar him from such possession, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida reports.
Michael Devante Curry, aged 30, could face up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted on the charges which, according to the indictment, stem from an incident on June 1 where he reportedly had two Glock firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition, despite having multiple prior felony convictions including two for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and such previous convictions evidently prohibit Curry from legally holding firearms or ammunition under federal law.
While an indictment suggests that there's a case to be made against Curry, it is merely an accusation, and he is presumed innocent under the judicial system until proven guilty in court. The investigation into Curry's case was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Tampa Police Department, and Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang is slated to prosecute the matter.
This indictment comes within the broader context of Operation Take Back America, an initiative seeking to combat illegal immigration and dismantle transnational criminal organizations; such operations are part of concerted efforts that integrate the Department of Justice's resources from various task forces focused on organized crime and community safety—yet it is not clear, based on the information provided in the U.S. Attorney's Offidce statement, how Curry's case specifically aligns with Operation Take Back America's stated goals concerning immigration and international cartels.
As this case moves forward, with its implications resting on our judicial processes to determine the truth and dispense justice accordingly.
