Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Michael O. Johnson (28, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces up to life in federal prison.

 

According to the plea agreement, Johnson sold six firearms to undercover agents over several months, including a Russian model SKS, 7.62x39-caliber rifle. He sold the guns even after being told that they would be trafficked and resold illegally in other markets in the United States, including New York.

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy.  Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, are coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy on reducing violent crime in communities.