Daniel Michael Harris, Sr., a 45-year-old resident of Waldorf, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to charges related to armed commercial robberies and using a firearm in relation to a violent crime. This development was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, together with William J. DelBagno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office, Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department, Sheriff Troy D. Berry of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Marc Yamada of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to the plea agreement, Harris and his co-conspirators carried out armed robberies at four businesses located in Prince George’s County, Charles County, and Montgomery County. On March 23 and 28, 2023, two convenience stores in Prince George’s County were targeted, with the robbers taking money and cigarettes. Harris wielded a pistol-grip shotgun during these incidents.
In another robbery on April 5, 2023, a convenience store in Charles County was hit, with cash and personal belongings of a store employee being stolen. Harris again used the same shotgun and threatened an employee while restraining a customer.
The robbery spree continued on April 6, 2023, in Montgomery County, where cash and personal items were taken, and Harris brandished the shotgun.
A police officer in Prince George’s County spotted the getaway vehicle used in some of the crimes on April 12, 2023, leading to a failed traffic stop as the vehicle’s occupants managed to escape. Items recovered from the vehicle underwent DNA testing, linking Harris to the robberies.
On November 9, 2023, a search warrant conducted by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office led to the discovery of evidence in Harris's storage unit, including clothing and the shotgun used in the crimes.
Harris and prosecutors have agreed on a sentence ranging from 13 to 17 years if the plea deal is accepted by the court. The sentencing, overseen by U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow, is scheduled for July 18, 2025.
This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through cooperative law enforcement efforts and community involvement. The strategy focuses on enhancing trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Police Department for their investigative work and expressed gratitude to Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy for prosecuting the case.
Further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and community support resources can be accessed online.
