A federal jury in Tampa has found Armoni Tyree Moody, 24, of Davenport, guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, and possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Moody faces a minimum sentence of seven years and could receive up to life in federal prison. Sentencing is set for January 21, 2026.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Moody used social media to arrange a meeting with an individual under the pretense of purchasing marijuana. During the encounter, Moody entered the victim’s vehicle, displayed a loaded handgun, and pressed it against the victim’s head. He then forced the victim to surrender two cellphones and ordered him out of the car under threat of violence before driving away in the stolen vehicle.
The following day, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Moody’s residence. Authorities recovered the victim’s belongings and the loaded firearm from his bedroom. The stolen car was located parked nearby. Investigators also found text messages on Moody’s cellphone discussing plans for the robbery hours before it occurred and videos posted on social media showing him with the same firearm.
Moody had previously been convicted of robbery with a weapon and was serving probation at the time of this offense. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation involved the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang is prosecuting the case.
According to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe: “This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).”
The incident occurred earlier but was not reported at that time due to a government shutdown; information has now been released following resumption of normal operations.
