U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Leon Williams, a 35-year-old resident of Clearwater, Florida, to 15 years in federal prison. The sentence is for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Alongside the prison term, the court ordered Williams to forfeit a Taurus firearm, a Sig Sauer firearm, and various rounds of ammunition linked to the offense. Williams entered a guilty plea on July 25, 2024.
The case against Williams stemmed from a search warrant executed on January 3, 2024, at his Clearwater residence. Officers from the Clearwater Police Department obtained the warrant following controlled purchases of cocaine from Williams. During the search, law enforcement discovered two loaded firearms—a Taurus handgun and a Sig Sauer handgun—along with approximately 60 grams of marijuana and 70 grams of cocaine. Digital scales and other drug distribution paraphernalia were also found. Additional ammunition was located in Williams’ bedroom, which he admitted owning. DNA evidence later connected him to the Sig Sauer handgun.
Williams' criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including nine for selling controlled substances. Under federal law, these convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Robert Pugh, Williams' co-defendant, received a sentence of 10 years in federal prison on September 18, 2024.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives collaborated with the Clearwater Police Department in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang prosecuted it.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative uniting various levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence while enhancing neighborhood safety. On May 26, 2021, the Department introduced a strategy aimed at reducing violent crime by reinforcing PSN through principles such as fostering community trust and legitimacy and supporting organizations that work towards preventing violence.