Crime & Safety

8-Time Convicted Felon Arrested During Gang Investigation: Hillsborough Sheriff

An eight-time convicted felon faces drug and weapon charges after a Tampa-area gang investigation, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.

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An eight-time convicted felon faces drug and weapon charges after a Tampa-area gang investigation, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.
An eight-time convicted felon faces drug and weapon charges after a Tampa-area gang investigation, the Hillsborough County sheriff said. ( Courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)

TAMPA, FL — An eight-time convicted felon faces multiple new charges after being arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the Young Godz gang operating in Tampa’s Grant Park area, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Lavardis Howard, 29, was identified as the primary suspect during the investigation, detectives said.

He was recently released from Florida State Prison in October.

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Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Howard after he was involved in a Feb. 19 domestic incident.

HCSO Gang Unit detectives served a search warrant at his Tampa home on Feb. 24.

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During the search, deputies found two pistols - one of which was reported stolen out of Tampa - about 2 pounds of marijuana, multiple boxes of ammunition, mushrooms and marijuana wax, the sheriff’s office said.

A second arrest warrant was issued for Howard, who was found and arrested Feb. 27 in Progress Village.

He faces the following charges:

  • aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
  • aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
  • felon in possession of a firearm
  • three counts of felon in possession of ammunition
  • two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia
  • possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver
  • possession of cannabis (more than 20 grams)
  • possession of cannabis sativa resin
  • two counts of possession of controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver
  • possession of cocaine

“This arrest is the result of proactive investigative work targeting gang activity in our community,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We will continue to pursue those who illegally possess firearms and distribute drugs in our neighborhoods. Our message is clear: if you are engaging in gang-related crime, we will find you and hold you accountable.”

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