Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, Florida – DeShawn Torrell Salley (49, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to distributing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, between 1999 and 2004, Salley was convicted of six felony offenses, including attempted murder in the first degree. On June 5, 2019, he sold 54 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Tampa. On July 31, 2019, federal agents arrested Salley. During the execution of a search warrant at Salley’s apartment, federal agents recovered a loaded Glock .45 caliber pistol, a bulletproof vest, heroin, and marijuana. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. 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.

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