Vincent Lee Alston and Niquan Odum, both 23 and from Washington D.C., have entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court related to a December 2023 burglary involving the theft of 34 firearms from a Maryland pawn shop. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Alston, also known as "Vedo," admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. Odum, referred to as "Stickz," pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft from a firearms licensee and possession of stolen firearms. Their sentencing hearings are set for June 27, 2025, for Alston and June 13, 2025, for Odum. Both have been detained since their arrests on December 15, 2023, and March 25, 2024, respectively.
Another participant in the crime, Juwon Markel Anderson or "Peezy," aged 22 from Washington D.C., confessed on March 4 to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. Additional individuals implicated include Cy’Juan Hemsley from District Heights, Maryland, and Tyjuan McNeal from Washington D.C.
Court documents reveal that on December 13, 2023, the group traveled from Washington D.C. to A&D Pawn Shop in Glen Burnie, Maryland. They breached security using a portable saw and crowbar-type tool before stealing rifles, shotguns, and pistols totaling at least 34 firearms. The stolen items were later advertised on social media platforms. Alston was apprehended two days post-burglary with one of the stolen weapons.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Metropolitan Police Department with support from the ATF Baltimore Field Division. The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes.
