Convicted Felon with Five Stolen Firearms Facing at Least 15 Years in Federal Prison

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.

According to the plea agreement, on November 4, 2010, Boyd was the driver of a stolen automobile stopped by deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. During the traffic stop, Boyd and two other passengers attempted to flee from the automobile. After a brief pursuit, Boyd was apprehended by the deputies. A search of the vehicle revealed five loaded shotguns and rifles, all of which had been reported stolen. Boyd subsequently admitted to investigators that he had planned to trade the stolen firearms for “pills and cocaine.” Boyd was previously convicted on numerous state burglary, theft and firearms offenses. As a previously convicted felon, he cannot possess firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program – a nationwide, gun–violence reduction strategy led by ATF. United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill, along with Virginia O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.