Tampa Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 60 Years for Machine Gun and Fentanyl Offenses
A federal prison term of 60 years was handed down to Michael Devante Curry for two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle handed down the prison term following a federal jury verdict that found the 31-year-old Tampa resident guilty on these counts.
Federal prosecutors presented evidence establishing that Curry conspired with others to possess methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana across the Tampa area between January and June 2025. Tampa Police Department officers disrupted the operation on June 1, 2025, by executing a search warrant at a residence where they discovered Curry hiding in a kitchen cabinet. Investigators recovered fentanyl from his pocket alongside more than $3,000 in cash.
Inside the Tampa Residence Seizure and Digital Evidence Recovery
The June 2025 raid yielded nine firearms, including one weapon modified with a conversion device that made it fully automatic. Authorities also seized methamphetamine, crack cocaine, oxycodone pills, an assortment of ammunition, drum magazines, and a bulletproof vest. Subsequent forensic searches of Curry’s seized cellphones and iCloud account revealed extensive messaging threads in which Curry discussed distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana throughout the first half of 2025, alongside photographs and videos showing him possessing modified firearms.
Before facing these federal charges, Curry had built up a criminal history that featured prior felony convictions for fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of cocaine. Following the trial, a federal jury convicted him on May 29, 2026. Judge Mizelle ordered the forfeiture of the firearms and assorted rounds of ammunition used in the commission of the offense.
Federal Investigation and Prosecution Details
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives partnered with the Tampa Police Department to investigate the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Christian Adkins, James C. Preston, and Jeff Chang prosecuted the matter, with U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe formally announcing the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Curry Case
What specific charges resulted in the 60-year sentence?
The jury found Curry guilty of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Which law enforcement agencies investigated the Tampa operation?
The Tampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation into Curry’s activities.
What drugs were recovered during the June 2025 raid?
Officers recovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and oxycodone pills during the execution of the search warrant on June 1, 2025.
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