Malik Ray, a 28-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to eight years and two months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Operation Take Back America is a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to deploy our law enforcement resources to protect our communities from the threats posed by drug traffickers and violent criminals, and this successful prosecution delivers on that promise by sending this defendant straight to federal prison for an extended stay behind bars.”
According to court records, on October 22, 2024, officers from Florida Probation and Parole along with the Tallahassee Police Department searched Ray’s residence as part of his probation requirements. During the search, authorities discovered an AR-style pistol, more than five pounds of marijuana, and additional evidence suggesting drug distribution activities. Investigators later determined that Ray had been involved in distributing marijuana since at least March 2024.
The investigation was carried out 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 Welch prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative designed to use Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration, criminal cartels, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 principal litigating offices under the U.S. Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed online through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. More information about this office is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
