DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Middle District of Tennessee

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, November 26, 2013
David Rivera
, United States Attorney
Contact: Sunny A.M. Koshy, AUSA

Nashville Gang Member Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses Near Elementary School

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – November 26, 2013 – Christopher Ray Moody, 29, of Nashville, Tenn., was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury of multiple drug trafficking and firearms offenses, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.  Moody’s crimes were committed from 2008 – 2011 and many were committed in and around specially protected areas around schools and public housing.

“This case is an example of an individual who apparently has no intention of turning away from a lifestyle of crime, as evidenced by his plans to continue dealing drugs after being released from jail,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera.  "The defendant faces a substantial sentence that, if imposed, should reduce the threat of drug dealing and illegal gun possession in this community."

According to the proof at trial, Moody was a street gang member and repeatedly cooked multiple ounces of crack cocaine for distribution at a residence near Jones Paideia Elementary School, in Nashville.  Moody kept firearms at this location, including a compact semi-automatic style firearm which he had previously obtained in a drug transaction.

Moody was arrested on unrelated state charges in April 2009.  While he was incarcerated on these charges, investigators determined that Moody had instructed his girlfriend to hold his drugs and a gun for him so that he could start drug trafficking again when he completed his state sentence.   Moody was released from custody in May 2010 and the evidence showed he went back to drug trafficking at the same residence.

A federal search warrant was issued in February 2011 and resulted in the Moody’s arrest, as well as the seizure of evidence showing that he cooked crack cocaine.  Shotgun shells were also found at the home and the trial proof showed that Moody possessed a shotgun at that location during drug deals.  Moody was also a previously convicted felon, and was found to be illegally in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Moody will be sentenced on February 14, 2014, by Chief Judge William Haynes, Jr. Because of Moody’s prior felony record involving multiple drug trafficking felonies and a robbery-related conviction, he is exposed to a sentence of up to life in prison.  The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sunny A.M. Koshy and Lynne T. Ingram represented the United States.

 

# # # # #

Nashville Field Division