Today, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Thomas Emmanuel Williams, 52, of Laurel, Maryland, to 17 years in federal prison. Williams was convicted earlier on January 17, 2025, on 12 federal charges related to drug and firearms trafficking.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence alongside Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Evidence presented at trial showed that in January and February of 2023, Williams illegally sold 10 firearms, three machineguns, ammunition, and hundreds of oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl pills to an undercover law enforcement source. The firearms included privately made guns without serial numbers and "Glock switches," which are devices that convert semi-automatic Glock-style pistols into fully automatic firearms.
Williams arranged the sales through FaceTime and phone calls, meeting the undercover agent in shopping-center parking lots in Laurel and Hyattsville, Maryland. There, he sold guns, ammunition, and drugs for thousands of dollars in cash.
Specifically, the firearms exchanged included a Hi Point 45 ACP Pistol and 9mm Rifle, Taurus 85 Ultra Lite .38 Special Revolver, two AR-style 5.56mm pistols, a Glock 21 .45 Auto Pistol, and a Glock 43 9mm Pistol, among others.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, particularly special agents Christopher Szakolczai and Katherine Rottman, for their efforts in the investigation. She also expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren S. Gardner and Dawn Williams for their role in prosecuting the case.
For individuals seeking more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its areas of focus, and community resources, they are encouraged to visit the official website at www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
