Tampa, Florida – William Roger Clayton, a 41-year-old resident of Arcadia, has entered a guilty plea for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Clayton is facing up to 15 years in federal prison.
Court documents reveal that on July 28, 2022, Clayton arranged a meeting with an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Arcadia. During this encounter, he offered several firearms for sale. The list included a Ruger Mini-14 .223 caliber rifle, Mauser and VZ24 6.5 caliber rifles, a Tokarev 7.62mm caliber pistol, and a Romarm-Cugir 7.62mm pistol. Clayton also mentioned his ability to facilitate the sale of silencers and "ghost guns," which are privately manufactured firearms that cannot be traced.
Clayton's criminal history includes multiple felony convictions such as grand theft, trafficking in stolen property, fleeing law enforcement officers, and robbery. Under federal law, these convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF alongside the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael J. Buchanan are prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced strategy for PSN focusing on building community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.