Date: 03-22-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. James Eugene Smith

Case Number: 8:23-cr-00199

Judge: Thomas P. Barber

Court: The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Hillsborough County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Tampa

Defendant's Attorney: Ray Christopher Lopez - 813-221-4455

Description:

Tampa, Florida criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Convicted Felon In Brandon Road Rage Shooting Sentenced To Eight Years In Federal Prison

James Eugene Smith (44, Wimauma) was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court also ordered Smith to forfeit the firearm and ammunition. Smith entered a guilty plea on December 18, 2023.

In the early morning hours of January 14, 2023, Smith was driving west on Bloomingdale Avenue in Brandon, Florida. Smith believed that a driver in a black sedan was brake checking (applying brakes and causing the following vehicle to slow down) him, while a separate driver prevented Smith from passing. Smith eventually passed both cars using the bi-directional center lane before brake checking the black sedan in return. The driver of the black sedan eventually drove around Smith. Smith and the driver of the black sedan then exchanged gunfire.

Smith, in an alleged attempt to see the tag of the black sedan, made a U-turn. After making the U-turn, Smith spotted a gray sedan that he thought was the black sedan. Smith opened fire, endangering the lives of the two victims – the driver and a passenger in the front seat. The gray sedan then turned into a gas station. Smith followed the vehicle into the gas station, again firing at it. Neither victim was shot. At the time of the incident, Smith had multiple prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

Outcome:

Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in federal prison. The court also ordered Smith to forfeit the firearm and ammunition.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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