Tampa Field Division
Photo by Peter Stewart as part of the Tampa Public Art Collection
Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Tampa Field Division. Our Division is responsible for ATF criminal enforcement and industry regulatory activities in 58 of the 67 counties in the State of Florida. The ATF Tampa Field Division encompasses over 44,370 sq. miles with a population of more than 12 million people. The Tampa Field Division consists of two Federal Judicial Districts, the Northern and Middle Judicial Districts of Florida.
Our dedicated workforce is comprised of special agents, investigators, auditors, technicians and support staff. ATF is committed to reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods. ATF is dedicated to combating firearm violence by focusing our investigative efforts on armed violent repeat offenders, career criminals, gun traffickers and gangs. We also work in partnership with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout Florida to accomplish this mission.
Explosives and arson enforcement is an integral part of ATF’s overall violent crime reduction strategy. ATF special agents combat arson and explosives related crimes by conducting complex independent investigations and by working in partnership with local and state fire investigators and police bomb squads.
ATF is responsible for regulating the firearms and explosives industries. Our industry operations investigators work to ensure that firearms are properly transferred and that explosives are stored and conveyed in accordance with the law.
We encourage all residents to get involved and assist us in our goal of reducing crime in our communities. Give us a call and let us know what we can do for you. Our phone number is (813) 202-7300.
Virginia O’Brien
Division Management Team
- Virginia O’Brien
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Delano Reid
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Trevor Velinor
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Aaron Gerber
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Jeremy Herrmann
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Tampa Press Release Updates
Sarasota Man Charged with Possessing Firearms and Marijuana
September 13, 2012
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Roderick B. Sears, (34, Sarasota), with being a felon in possession of four firearms and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute it.More »
Armed "Bloods" Drug Dealer Sentenced To More Than 20 Years In Federal Prison
September 5, 2012
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James Whittemore today sentenced Bryan Stanford (28, Bradenton) to 250 months in federal prison for possession of narcotics with the intent to sell or deliver them, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possessing a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.More »
Orlando Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal Prison on Robbery and Firearm Charges
August 24, 2012
Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge John Antoon II today sentenced Sean Batura (21, Orlando) to 384 months in federal prison for two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.More »
"Seffner Bandit" Sentenced for Multiple Armed Robberies
August 17, 2012
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced Andre King (33, Tampa) today to 32 years in federal prison for brandishing and using a firearm in connection with two armed robberies.More »
Eight-Time Convicted Armed Robber Sentenced To Life In Federal Prison
August 13, 2012
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell sentenced Kenneth Harris (42, Orlando) today to life in federal prison, plus 57 consecutive years, for three armed robberies, three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.More »
Pines Drug Dealer Sentenced to Thirty One Years
August 10, 2012
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday today sentenced Zavien Brand (28, Tampa) to thirty-one years in federal prison for distribution of crack cocaine, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and being a felon in possession of firearms.More »
Citrus County Armed Robbers Plead Guilty
August 13, 2012
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Anthony Calderon (48, Inverness) pled guilty today to two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely armed robbery.More »
Three Naples Men Charged with Unlicensed Firearms Dealing
August 3, 2012
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Naples residents Homer Helter (68), Dennis Jarstad (59), and James Kassel (61) with conspiracy to unlawfully deal in firearms without a license.More »
Man Pleads Guilty to Arson of Reproductive Health Facility in Pensacola, Florida
July 19, 2012
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Bobby Joe Rogers, 41, of Pensacola, pleaded guilty today to a federal grand jury indictment charging him with the New Year's Day arson that destroyed the American Family Planning Clinic in Pensacola, announced the Justice Department.More »
Pines Drug Dealer Sentenced to Ten Years
July 3, 2012
Tampa, Florida — U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Tyrone Flowers (49, Seffner) to ten years in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine. He was also sentenced to six years of supervised release, following his release from prison. Flowers pled guilty on December 19, 2011.More »
Convicted Felon with Five Stolen Firearms Facing at Least 15 Years in Federal Prison
June 26, 2012
Orlando, Florida — Raymond Archie Boyd, Jr. (37, DeLand) pled guilty today to possessing a firearm and ammunition, affecting interstate commerce, as a convicted felon. As a result of his extensive violent criminal record, Boyd faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been set for September 19, 2012, before Senior United States District Court Judge G. Kendall Sharp.More »
Convicted Felon With Loaded Firearm and Drugs Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison
June 20, 2012
Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Charlene Honeywell sentenced Ronald William Jones (25, Orlando) yesterday to 12 years and 8 months in federal prison for gun and drug violations. On March 16, 2012 a federal jury found Jones guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.More »
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Gun Possession
June 19, 2012
Tampa, Florida — United States District Judge Steven D. Merryday sentenced Kelvin Danford (28, St. Petersburg) today to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony and for possessing crack cocaine. The court also ordered Danford to forfeit a firearm and 15 rounds of ammunition, which he possessed in connection with the above offense.More »
Convicted Felons Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession of a Firearm
June 15, 2012
Tampa, FL — U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore sentenced Leonard Smith (50, Tampa) and Rhonda Parks (43, Tampa) each to fifteen years in federal prison for being felons in possession of a firearm. They were both ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon completion of their prison sentences. Smith and Parks both pled guilty in March 2012.More »
Firearms Trafficker Senteced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison
June 7, 2012
Orlando, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell today sentenced a 39 year-old New Jersey man, Luis Velazquez-Pinero, to 38 months in federal prison for interstate trafficking of firearms and making a false statement to a federal agency. Velazquez-Pinero entered a guilty plea to the charges on January 12, 2012. More »
Haitian National Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Firearms Out of the United States
June 6, 2012
Tampa, FL – Jean Gordy Gedeon (24, Bartow) pled guilty yesterday to smuggling firearms outside of the United States. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. More »
Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years As Armed Career Criminal
May 23, 2012
Tampa, Florida – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces today that United States District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. sentenced Shavar Brand (30, Tampa) to 188 months in federal prison for selling crack cocaine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pled guilty on December 14, 2011. More »
Felon With Gun Sentenced to More Than Ten Years
May 21, 2012
TAMPA, FL – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew today sentenced David Meza (27, Ruskin) to 130 months in federal prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. As part of his sentence, Meza was also ordered to pay restitution for damage he caused to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) patrol car. He pled guilty on February 28, 2012.More »
Pines
Crack Dealer, Who Sold Uzi to Undercover Law Enforcement, Sentenced to Fifteen Years
May 18, 2012
TAMPA, FL – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge James Moody sentenced Victor Milliner (25, Tampa) to fifteen years in federal prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack, possessing a firearm following a felony conviction, and possessing firearms during a drug trafficking crime. His sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release. Milliner pled guilty on February 3, 2012.More »
Five–Time Convicted Felon Sentenced on Drug and Firearms Charges
May 7, 2012
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA — Yesterday Dennis Calvin Bush, 32, of Panama City, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to commit that offense, possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm while a convicted felon.More »
Zellwood Cocaine and Firearms Dealer Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Federal Prison
May 3, 2012
Orlando, Florida — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces today that U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway sentenced Brandon Denard Smith (27, Zellwood) to 123 months in federal prison for possession of firearms by a convicted felon, distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Smith pled guilty on February 2, 2012.More »
Federal Jury Convicts Sanford Man on Firearms Charge
May 2, 2012
Orlando, Florida – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces today that a federal jury found Charlie Warren Pendleton (32, Sanford) guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 16, 2012, before Chief United States District Judge Anne C. Conway. Pendelton was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 16, 2011.More »
Pines
Drug Supplier Sentenced to Sixteen Years
April 26, 2012
Tampa, FL — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara today sentenced Cuwissie Hamilton (32, Tampa) to sixteen years in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, for distributing twenty–eight grams or more of cocaine base. Hamilton pled guilty on November 4, 2011.More »
Three St. Petersburg Men Indicted on Federal Drug Charges
April 20, 2012
Tampa, Florida — United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces today the unsealing of an indictment charging St. Petersburg residents Bontena Miles (27), William Marquis Miles (22), and Jervaris Kittles (31). Bontena Miles is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine, two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a machine gun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.More »
Three Armed Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison
March 22, 2012
Jacksonville, FL — United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton sentenced Deandre Perkins (27, Live Oak) yesterday to ten years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Perkins pled guilty on December 15, 2011.More »
Convicted Felon Faces Up to Life in Federal Prison
March 16, 2012
Orlando, Florida — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that a federal jury late Thursday found Ronald William Jones (24, Orlando) guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jones faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2012 before United States District Judge Charlene Honeywell. Jones was indicted on November 3, 2010.More »
Mount Dora Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Distribution and Firearms Offenses
March 12, 2012
Orlando, Florida – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces today that U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell sentenced Travis Rollins (24, Mount Dora) to 108 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. Rollins pled guilty on September 26, 2011.More »
Kissimmee Man Pleads Guilty to Osceola County Bombing
March 2, 2012
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces today that Tyler Michael Allen Nelson (20, Kissimmee) pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered destructive device. Nelson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.More »
Four Tampa Men and One Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Multiple Armed Robberies
March 2, 2012
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington yesterday sentenced Antonio Cortez Harris, Jr. (22, Tampa), Rykeith Andre Levatte (25, Tampa), and Alden Bernard Lewis (28, Tampa) each to thirty-two years in federal prison and sentenced Antoine Markeist Harris (21, Tampa) to 235 months (19 years, 7 months) in federal prison for using a firearm in connection with the May 25, 2010 robbery of a 7-Eleven Store in Pinellas Park, Florida and the May 26, 2010 robbery of a 7-Eleven Store in Gibsonton, Florida.More »
Orlando Man Facing Life in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Robbery and Firearms Charges
March 1, 2012
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that Sean Batura (21, Orlando) pleaded guilty earlier this week to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Batura faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 32 years, up to life in federal prison.More »
Serial Robber Sentenced to More Than 65 Years for Committing String of Walgreens Robberies
March 1, 2012
Orlando, Florida – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Terry Jerome Cason (29, Orlando) to 65 years and four months in federal prison. On November 15, 2011, a federal jury found Cason guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, three counts of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than 29 Years for Armed Robbery
February 24, 2012
Tampa, Florida – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Kenneth H. Burke, Jr. (40, Tampa) to 29 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery affecting interstate commerce, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Burke had previously been convicted of felonies, including three bank robberies.More »
Eight Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Gun Possession
February 23, 2012
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara today sentenced Eric Lyron Davis (37, Tampa) to fifteen years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis pled guilty on November 21, 2011. More »
Orlando Man Convicted of Hobbs Act Robberies
February 16, 2012
Orlando, Florida — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that a federal jury today found Kenneth Harris (41, Orlando) guilty of three Hobbs Act robberies, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Harris had previously been convicted of five armed robberies. He faces a mandatory minimum of life in federal prison.More »
Four From Panama City and Jackson, MS Arrested on Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy; Cocaine, Guns, Cash, Vehicles and Boat Seized
February 14, 2012
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA — Four alleged members of a cocaine distribution conspiracy have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint in the Northern District of Florida. The arrests were announced this morning by Pamela C. Marsh, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, following the filing of a complaint before United States Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford.More »
Felon Sentenced to More Than 36 Years for Armed Robbery of Undercover Detective
February 13, 2012
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge John E. Steele today sentenced Eddy Luis Jose Estrella (26, Fort Myers) to 36½ years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery affecting commerce, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, distribution of Oxycodone, and using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence. The court also ordered Estrella to forfeit firearms and ammunition used in the offenses.More »
More Than 3 Tons of Marijuana, More Than 90 Firearms and Nearly $1 Million Seized in Multi-District Sting
February 8, 2012
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces the arrests yesterday of Jaime Rodriguez Sandoval (41), Ivan Alvarado (31), Josue Rivera Rosario (26), Jesus Gonzalez-Salcedo (37), Antonio Gonzalez (51), Jose Luis Franco-Gonzalez (35), Cesar Ramos (36), and Omar Martinez (37). Each is charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.More »
Possession of Sawed Off Shotguns Earns Felon Ten Years in Prison
February 3, 2012
Tampa, Florida — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew yesterday sentenced Dwain Denorris Wallace, III (40, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of two short–barreled shotguns. The court also ordered Wallace to forfeit both guns and the ammunition.More »
Orange County Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison
January 26, 2012
Orlando, Florida – U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Leonard Johnson (38, Orlando) to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Johnson previously pled guilty on August 4, 2011.More »
Tampa Convenience Store Operator Convicted of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
January 19, 2012
TAMPA, FL — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that a federal jury today found Khaldoun Khalil Khawaja (47, Tampa), aka Tony Khawaja, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Khawaja, who was indicted on August 4, 2011, faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 4, 2012.More »
Gangster Disciple Street Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Federal Prison
January 18, 2012
Tampa, Florida — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. today sentenced James Jason Riani, a/k/a Wicked
, (32, Spring Hill) to 24 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This sentence was ordered to be served consecutive to a recent 5–year Florida prison sentence which Riani received for battery on another prison inmate. The court also ordered Riani to forfeit his firearms and ammunition.More »
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to 30 Years
January 17, 2012
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Elmario Clay (38, Jacksonville) to thirty years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.More »
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Charges of Interstate Firearms Trafficking and False Statements to Federal Agents
January 12, 2012
Orlando, Florida — United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that Luis Velazquez–Pinero (39, New Jersey) today pleaded guilty to interstate trafficking in firearms and making a false statement to a federal agency. Velazquez–Pinero faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.More »
Orlando Man Sentenced to 32 Years for Armed Robbery of CVS and Armed Carjacking
January 10, 2012
Tampa, FL — United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that Miguel Torres (32, Orlando) was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Susan C. Bucklew to 32 years in federal prison for the armed robbery of a Tampa CVS Pharmacy and a subsequent armed carjacking in November 2010. Torres pled guilty on November 2, 2011.More »
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to More than 16 Years in Federal Prison
January 10, 2012
Jacksonville, FL — United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard, on Friday, sentenced Anthony Terry (35, Jacksonville) to sixteen years and six months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Terry pled guilty on October 1, 2010. Judge Howard found that Terry was a career offender based upon his prior convictions for sale of cocaine and lewd battery.More »
Tampa Field Division Phones are Temporarily Down
January 10, 2012
The Tampa Field Division telephone lines are currently having technical problems and are not operable. If you need to contact this office please call the ATF Joint Support and Operations Center (JSOC) at (800) 800-3855.
Illegal Alien Faces Federal Firearm Charges in Connection with Shooting of 2 Year Old
January 6, 2012
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces the arrest today of Luis Javier Farias-Mendoza (20, Orlando). Farias-Mendoza is charged in a criminal complaint with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. More »
23–Year Old Manatee County Man Sentenced to More than 19 Years in Federal Prison
January 6, 2012
Tampa, Florida — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez–Covington today sentenced Antwon Stuckey (23, Palmetto) to 235 months (19 years, 7 months) in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Because of his extensive criminal history dating back to age 12, Stuckey was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Stuckey pled guilty on January 31, 2010.More »
Federal Complaint Filed in Arson of American Family Planning Clinic in Penscola
January 5, 2012
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Bobby Joe Rogers, 41, of Pensacola, has been charged in a federal complaint with one count of Damaging a Building by Fire or Explosive, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i). United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Timothy issued an arrest warrant based on the complaint and supporting affidavit filed today, which charges Rogers with the arson of the American Family Planning Clinic at 6770 North 9th Avenue in Pensacola on Jan. 1. If subsequently indicted by a grand jury and convicted at trial, Rogers faces a possible 20 year prison term.More »
Orlando Man Sentenced to More than 44 Years for Armed Robbery of CVS and Armed Carjacking
January 4, 2012
Tampa, FL — United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces today that Senior United States District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced Joshua Michael Wilkes (29, Orlando) to 44 years and 7 months in federal prison for the armed robbery of a Tampa CVS Pharmacy and subsequent armed carjacking. Wilkes pled guilty on October 25, 2011.More »