Baltimore Field Division
Photo used under Creative Commons from flickr user sneakerdog
Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division. Our Division is responsible for criminal enforcement and industry operations in the States of Maryland and Delaware. Our dedicated work force is comprised of special agents, industry operations investigators, intelligence research specialists, forensic auditors, technical operations officers and support staff. ATF is a unique law enforcement agency that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, and explosives, acts of arson and bombings, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. We are strategic in our efforts to reduce violent crime and protect our public.
From neighborhood to nation
Baltimore Field Division’s top priority is to address and investigate violent crime. Special Agents combat firearms violence by focusing our investigative efforts on armed violent offenders, armed career criminals, illegal gun traffickers and violent criminal gangs. We are committed to protecting our neighborhoods and our nation from those who illegally commit the crime of arson, or use explosives in violent crime and related incidents. Baltimore’s Arson and Explosives Group brings together specialized assets and expertise in arson and explosives investigations. Our Special Agents participate in high–profile arson and explosive–related investigations that affect the quality of life of our citizens.
ATF’s Baltimore Field Division leads the law enforcement effort in Maryland EXILE. This program works to identify repeat violent offenders and career criminals who have been arrested for firearms–related offenses on the State level; specifically in Baltimore, Prince George’s, Frederick, and Wicomico counties. These cases are investigated and referred for prosecution in the Federal system where the minimum mandatory sentences are more severe, and there is no possibility of parole. Operation FED–UP (Federal Enforcement and Detention in Urban Policing) is an exile
type project led by the Special Agents in our Wilmington Field Office. Since the inception of both programs, hundreds of violent offenders have been "exiled" from the neighborhoods of both Maryland and Delaware.
ATF is the lead Federal law enforcement agency in the Violent Crime Impact Teams (VCIT) initiative, which uses strategic methods and analytical resources to target the most dangerous pockets of a city. Baltimore is one of only 31 cities throughout the nation who employ the VCIT strategy. Since 2004, Baltimore’s VCIT has arrested and worked to prosecute over 150 of the city’s most violent career offenders/gang members, yielding a combined sentencing total of over 55,000 months for the defendants.
In October 2010, the Baltimore Field Division launched a new Firearms Trafficking Team, a squad strategically focused on determining the source of illegal guns. We know that the best way to address the violence in and around the city is to identify the source of illegal firearms. By implementing a new intelligence component, we can more effectively learn how illegal guns are being obtained. We have partnered with over 16 state and local law enforcement agencies in Maryland to address the gun trafficking issue, by working significant trafficking investigations. Since its inception, our Firearms Trafficking Team has taken over a thousand illegal weapons off the streets.
In 2003, in response to crime statistics and violence among the growing gang community, ATF’s Baltimore Field Division established the Regional Area Gang Enforcement (RAGE) unit. RAGE is tasked to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle violent gangs throughout Maryland and the Washington DC Metropolitan region. Since its inception, RAGE has identified and investigated hundreds of members of various gangs in the Maryland/DC Metropolitan area, to include the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS–13) gang, the Latin Kings, and those belonging to the 18th Street gang. Several defendants have been charged under the RICO statute, a law which not only holds them responsible for their own actions, but those violent actions of the entire gang as well.
ATF is responsible for regulating the firearms and explosives industries. ATF protects our communities by preventing the illegal use and trafficking of firearms and explosives, and ensuring that all firearms and explosives are stored, handled and sold in a safe manner that is in accordance with Federal law. The Baltimore Field Division’s Industry Operations Investigators (IOIs) oversee the inspection of over 2,300 Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) and over 125 Explosives Licensees/Permittees within the states of Maryland and Delaware. Our top priority is to educate and ensure compliance amongst our firearms and explosives licensees, and to provide guidance and instruction in order to meet such compliance. Through education, compliance, and the imposition of penalties, our Industry Operation Investigators work to enforce firearms and explosives laws and regulations in order to keep our communities safe.
ATF also investigates crimes involving the illegal diversion of tobacco products within the United States, as well as the trafficking of contraband/counterfeit cigarettes and counterfeit tax stamps into the United States. To combat the growing problem of cigarette trafficking, the Baltimore Field Division has launched several proactive investigations throughout Maryland and Delaware.
ATF works in conjunction with our Federal, state and local partners to investigate and arrest the most violent offenders, and bring them to justice. This alliance supports our mission of reducing violent crime and protecting our public by removing these violent offenders from our neighborhoods. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to bring safety and security to our citizens – today and every day. It is our hope, and our expectation that our combined efforts will result in safer communities throughout Maryland and Delaware, and across this great nation.
As we continue the fight in the war against violent crime, ATF remains committed to keeping the public safe by putting violent criminals behind bars – one community at a time. With you and your families in mind, I proudly lead the Baltimore Field Division in fulfilling this mission. Thank you.
Division Management Team
- Ashan Benedict
- Acting Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Steven Pugmire
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Ashan Benedict
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Gary Bangs
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Vacant
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Baltimore Press Release Updates
Baltimore Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing a Gun and Ammunition
September 26, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Dallas Williams, age 26, of Baltimore, today to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition.More »
Shooter in Conspiracy to Murder a Witness in a Bank Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison
September 20, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Bruce Eric Byrd, age 27, of Baltimore, today to 40 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for using and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, specifically, the murder of a witness in a bank fraud investigation.More »
Salisbury Drug Dealer Exiled to Over 12 Years in Prison
September 18, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Tereek Nutter, age 29, of Salisbury, Maryland, today to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base.More »
Brooklyn Crack Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison
August 29, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Edward Robinson, age 24, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 14 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.More »
Three Members of a Drug Organization Exiled to 15 Years in Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy Related to Their Drug Activities
August 24, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced three Baltimore men who were members of a drug distribution organization to 15 years in prison, for conspiring to participate in the activities of a racketeering enterprise, specifically, the drug organization.More »
Baltimore Man Exiled to 10 Years in Prison on Gun Charges
August 21, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Chauncey Harris, age 42, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and illegal receipt of a firearm while under indictment.More »
Robber Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Using and Firing a Gun During the Robbery of a Kent County Pharmacy
August 15, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced David Lee Dingess, age 27, of Middletown, Delaware, today to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for using, carrying and discharging a firearm during an armed robbery of a pharmacy.More »
Upper Marlboro Man Exiled to 25 Years in Prison for the Violent Armed Robbery of a Fast Food Restaurant
August 15, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Bryon Mitchell, age 45, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, today to 25 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for armed robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.More »
Final Conspirator Convicted for his Role on the Murder of a Witness in a Bank Fraud Conspiracy
August 10, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Frank Marfo, age 28, of Baltimore, today for his role in a conspiracy to murder witness in a bank fraud investigation.More »
18th Street Gang Member Sentenced to Over 24 Years in Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy Related to Gang Activity
August 6, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Silvia Martinez, a/k/a "Crazy," age 23, of Washington, D.C., to 293 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise in connection with her activities as a member of the 18th Street gang.More »
Armed Career Criminal Exiled to 15 Years in Prison for Gun Possession
August 1, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Joseph Bassett, age 36, of Baltimore, today to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a gun.More »
Baltimore Drug Trafficker Exiled to Over 10 Years in Prison
July 31, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Zegory Chambers, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a gun.More »
Baltimore Drug Trafficker Exiled to Over 12 Years in Prison
July 30, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Howard Drummond, age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Judge Bredar enhanced Drummond's sentence upon finding that he is a career offender based on two previous drug convictions.More »
Founder of Violent Dead Man Incoporated
Gang Pleads Guilty to Federal Racketeering, Murder, and Drug Charges
June 29, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — Perry Roark, a/k/a Rock, Pops,
Slim,
Saho the Ghost,
age 42, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to participating in a violent racketeering enterprise known as the Dead Man Incorporated (DMI). Roark also admitted that he has been the Supreme Commander
of DMI since it was originally created as a prison gang in Maryland in 2000.More »
Baltimore Armed Career Criminal Exiled to 15 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Gun
June 27, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Eric Young, age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Bennett enhanced Young’s sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous convictions for drugs and robberies.More »
Pikesville Man Exiled to 20 Years in Prison on Armed Robbery and Drug Charges
June 26, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Brian Johnson, age 35, of Pikesville, Maryland, today to 20 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit six armed robberies of businesses totaling just over $1,280 and conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, cocaine base (crack) and marijuana. Judge Bennett also found that Johnson is a career offender based on previous convictions for murder and drug distribution.More »
Baltimore Armed Career Criminal Exiled to 15 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Gun
June 5, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced John Steven Thomas, age 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a gun. Judge Blake found that Thomas is an armed career criminal based on two previous drug convictions and convictions for robbery and assault.More »
Crips Member Exiled to Over 15 Years in Prison for Possessing a Loaded Gun
May 11, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Hasan Smith, a/k/a Haison Smith
and Anthony Smith,
age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 188 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition. Judge Motz enhanced Smith’s sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous drug convictions.More »
Baltimore Drug Trafficker Exiled to 10 Years in Prison
May 11, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Shelbert Elliott, age 29, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Judge Hollander enhanced Elliott’s sentence upon finding that he is a career offender based on two previous convictions for drugs or violent crime.More »
Temple Hills Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges
May 11, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Jerry Wayne Beasley, aka Jay Beasley,
age 36, of Temple Hills, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.More »
18th Street Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison for Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy Related to Gang Activities
April 30, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Joel Ventura Quintanilla, aka Clon,
age 25, of Germantown, Maryland today to life in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise in connection with his membership in the 18th Street gang.More »
Lothian Man Exiled to Over 24 Years in Prison for Attempted Armed Robbery
April 26, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Thomas Anthony Hubbard, age 52, of Lothian, Maryland, today to 295 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for attempted robbery and using a gun during the attempted robbery. Judge Titus enhanced Hubbard's sentence upon finding that he is a career offender based on nine previous convictions for armed robbery dating back to 1980.More »
Four-Time Baltimore Felon Exiled to 15 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Gun
April 25, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Kalife Crenshaw, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Bennett enhanced Crenshaw's sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous drug convictions and a conviction for a crime of violence.More »
Armed Carjacker Exiled to Over 34 Years in Prison
April 13, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced John Franklin, age 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 414 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to and committing carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Franklin was convicted by a jury on February 10, 2012. Judge Garbis enhanced Franklin’s sentence upon finding that he obstructed justice after Franklin wrote several letters to two of the victims in this case, attempting to persuade them to not testify against him and after trial, Franklin sent a letter to a codefendant that included threatening and intimidating statements.More »
Frederick Man Exiled to 12 Years in Prison for Selling Crack
April 13, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced John Hamilton Kaine, age 28, of Frederick, Maryland, today to 12 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing cocaine base, known as crack. Judge Titus enhanced Kaine’s sentence upon finding that he is a career offender based on three previous drug convictions.More »
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing a Gun and Ammunition
March 28, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Benson E. Legg sentenced Robert Sanderlin, age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Benson enhanced Sanderlin’s sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on four previous drug convictions.More »
Prince George’s County Crack Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges
March 21, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Derek Jermaine Miller, a/k/a Reds,
and Big Reds,
age 40, of Forestville, Maryland, today to 14 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Member of 4X4 Drug Organizatoin Exiled to 10 Years in Prison
March 9, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Tony Robinson, a/k/a Peterman,
and "Pete," age 30, of Baltimore, yesterday to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute powder and crack cocaineMore »
Violent Career Offender Exiled to Over 17 Years in Prison on Drug Charges
March 7, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced James Harris, age 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 210 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Judge Quarles enhanced Harris’ sentence upon finding that he is a career offender based on previous convictions for attempted second degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon.More »
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 15 Years in Prison on Gun and Ammunition Charges
March 7, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Eric Johnson, age 44, of Baltimore, today to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Blake enhanced Johnson's sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on four previous drug convictions.More »
Reservoir Hill Crack Dealer Exiled to Over 15 Years in Prison
March 2, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Omar Anderson, age 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 188 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Judge Bredar enhanced Anderson's sentence upon finding that he is a career offender based on previous convictions for drug trafficking, assault and witness intimidation.More »
Washington, DC Man Exiled to 13 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges
February 17, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Jeffrey Joseph McCoy, age 31, of Washington, D.C., today to 13 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and for being a felon in possession of a gun. A jury convicted McCoy on October 27, 2011.More »
Baltimore County Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Threatening to Murder an ATF Task Force Officer
February 7, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles sentenced Craig Allen Shepperd, age 38, of Whitehall, Maryland, today to eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for threatening to murder a federal law enforcement officer.More »
Baltimore Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing Ammunition
February 3, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Isaac Lamont Edwards, age 27, of Baltimore, today to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Judge Motz enhanced Edwards’ sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous drug and violent crime convictions.More »
Washington D.C. Man Exiled to Over 10 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges
February 2, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Stephen Laroy Jones, age 33, of Washington, D.C., today to 130 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a gun and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine.More »
Federal Racketeering and Murder Conspiracy Charges Filed Against Alleged Members of a Baltimore Drug Gang
January 27, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury superseding indictment was unsealed today alleging that a drug gang operating on a stretch of Baltimore Street in Baltimore known as the Block,
is a federal racketeering enterprise that committed acts of violence, including murder. The following defendants, all from Baltimore, are charged in the indictment, which was returned on January 25, 2012 and unsealed today:More »
Baltimore Felon Exiled to Over 15 Years in Prison for Possessing a Gun
January 12, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Benson E. Legg sentenced Matthew Craighead, age 28, of Baltimore, today to 188 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Legg enhanced Craighead's sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous drug and violent crime convictions.More »
Jason Scott Sentenced to 100 Years in Prison for Federal Home Invasion, Firearms and Child Pornography Production Charges
January 10, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Jason Thomas Scott, age 28, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, today to 100 years in prison on 11 federal felony charges relating to a series of crimes committed during more than 50 burglaries and nine armed home invasion robberies. The convictions include armed carjacking, production of child pornography, theft of firearms and related gun charges. Scott has been held in custody since 2009.More »
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing a Gun
January 6, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Benson E. Legg sentenced Darryl Carter, age 48, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a gun.More »
Bowie Man Exiled to 16 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges
January 4, 2012
Greenbelt, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Tyrone Anthony Johnson, age 33, of Bowie, Maryland, today to 16 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge Williams enhanced Johnson’s sentence upon finding that he is a career offender, based on two previous robbery convictions.More »