Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury has found Tyrone Walker (36, St. Petersburg) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Walker faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 6, 2018. Walker was indicted on March 22, 2018.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, Walker possessed a firearm that he used to shoot and kill another man during a dispute. At the time of the incident, Walker had a prior felony conviction and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Callan Albritton and James Preston.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.