Steven Lee, a 38-year-old resident of Baltimore, Maryland, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for his involvement in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The case details reveal that on April 17, 2024, Lee and Cedrick Brinkley conspired to sell firearms to an undercover ATF agent. The agent had indicated that the firearms were intended for resale in New Jersey. On the same day, law enforcement observed both men at the meeting location where Brinkley sold five pistols to the agent for $6,100.
A subsequent transaction was arranged for April 24, 2024. Before this meeting, Brinkley and Lee were seen together in a parking lot where Brinkley collected a black bag from Lee's vehicle before proceeding to meet with the undercover agent. Although Lee did not attend this meeting physically, he participated via speakerphone to negotiate prices with the agent.
During this second transaction, Brinkley handed over five firearms from the black bag to the undercover agent after discussing prices with Lee over the phone. One of these firearms was equipped with a machinegun conversion device. The undercover agent paid $7,800 for these weapons.
In total, ten firearms were sold by Lee and Brinkley to the undercover agent; three of which had been reported stolen previously.
On July 2, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at Lee’s residence in Baltimore where they found a loaded Taurus PT709 pistol and additional ammunition despite his prior felony conviction prohibiting firearm possession.
Lee is facing up to 15 years imprisonment with sentencing set for August 19 at 10 a.m., while Brinkley's trial date remains pending.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. This strategy emphasizes trust-building within communities and supports organizations focused on violence prevention.
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised ATF's efforts in this investigation and acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney James O’Donohue's role in prosecuting the case.
Further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be accessed through their official website links provided above.
