Hillsborough County detectives say an ongoing probe into an alleged "Young Godz" crew in Tampa's Grant Park neighborhood has already produced one very familiar name to the courts.
Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested 29-year-old Lavardis Howard on last Friday after a search of his Tampa residence that investigators say turned up guns, ammunition, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Howard, an eight-time convicted felon who was released from Florida state prison in October 2025, now faces a long list of felony drug and weapons charges tied to what deputies say they pulled from the home. One of the pistols located during the search had been reported stolen out of Tampa, according to investigators.
According to a post by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Howard is charged with possession of cocaine; two counts of possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver; possession of cannabis with intent to sell; possession of cannabis sativa resin and possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis; felon in possession of a firearm; three counts of felon in possession of ammunition; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. The sheriff's post states that detectives recovered two pistols, ammunition, narcotics and paraphernalia during the search of Howard's residence.
Detectives say the search turned up guns and narcotics
Investigators reported that one of the pistols recovered had been reported stolen out of Tampa, and that the firearms were found alongside quantities of drugs that officers said suggested distribution rather than simple possession. Ammunition and multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia were also seized, authorities said, forming the basis for the wide-ranging set of charges now filed against Howard.
What the charges could mean
Florida law bars convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition under Florida Statute 790.23 (see the Florida Legislature), and the sale or possession with intent to sell controlled substances is prohibited under Section 893.13 (outlined by the Florida Senate). Those offenses carry felony penalties that can include years in prison and significant fines, depending on the type and amount of drugs involved and any applicable sentencing enhancements. Prosecutors will sort out the precise charges and potential penalties as the case moves through the Hillsborough County courts.
Grant Park and the 'Young Godz' name
The "Young Godz" name has surfaced in Grant Park before. A Tampa Bay Times archival story from 2007 described a group using that label in connection with an undercover effort targeting street-level drug dealing in the neighborhood. It is not yet clear whether investigators in the current probe believe there is any direct connection, overlap in membership or organizational continuity with that earlier clique.
Howard remains in custody on multiple felony counts, and the sheriff's office has not released information on bond or upcoming court dates. Anyone with tips or information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
