Garrick Powell, a 32-year-old resident of Baltimore, has admitted guilt in federal court for possessing a machine gun. The announcement of his plea deal comes from Kelly O. Hayes, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, in conjunction with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) – Baltimore Field Division, and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
The guilty plea reveals that on April 19, 2023, Powell was found with a machine gun by law enforcement. Officers from the Eastern District Baltimore Community Intelligence Center, who were monitoring the 500 block of North Patterson Park Avenue, noticed Powell behaving in a manner indicative of being armed. He was observed entering a vehicle and leaving the area, which prompted the officers to conduct a traffic stop. During the search, they recovered a loaded Poly80 9mm handgun, often referred to as a "ghost gun" due to its lack of a serial number, along with an attached conversion device that transformed the firearm into a machine gun. Additionally, officers discovered a second extended magazine and 63 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Powell's sentencing is scheduled for July 16 at 10 a.m. In federal cases, the actual sentencing is typically below the maximum penalties, as determined by a federal district court judge who considers the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by integrating law enforcement efforts with community initiatives. The strategy focuses on building trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that work to prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their investigative efforts. Thanks were also extended to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia McLane and Stanton Lawyer for their roles in prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its services can be accessed at their official websites.
