A federal jury in Baltimore has convicted Donte Williams, 33, of several charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, alongside officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Baltimore Police Department.
Williams was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The trial evidence showed that on September 28, 2022, Baltimore Police officers encountered Williams in the 500 block of Cumberland Street. Officers observed suspected narcotics in his pocket as he walked away. After arresting him, law enforcement recovered about 72 gel caps containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl from his pocket and an Arcus Model 98DA 9mm pistol loaded with 13 rounds from his waistband. Due to prior convictions, Williams was not allowed to possess firearms.
Officers also found approximately $820 believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking on Williams at the time of his arrest. A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of identification belonging to Williams and an additional 97 gel caps matching those found earlier; these also contained fentanyl compounds.
The jury acquitted Williams on two counts connected with alleged firearms possession during a car stop earlier that month.
Williams faces up to life imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime—a charge carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of five years consecutive to other penalties. He could receive up to 20 years for drug trafficking and up to 15 years for unlawful possession of firearms or ammunition. Sentencing is set for November 21 at 10 a.m.
Federal sentences are often less than maximum terms due to guidelines considered by judges during sentencing decisions.
“This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone,” said U.S. Attorney Hayes. “On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.”
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended both ATF agents and Baltimore Police officers involved in investigating this case as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stanton Lawyer and Patricia McLane who prosecuted it. Paralegal Specialist Alisha Swiger was recognized for her legal support.
Further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md or through their community outreach resources at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
