A federal jury has convicted Anthony Nichols, 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Nichols was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The verdict was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Commissioner Richard Worley from the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and Chief Robert McCullough from the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).
During the four-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Nichols was involved in drug transactions on May 1, 2023, in the 500 block of Cumberland Street in Baltimore. According to testimony, BPD officers observed Nichols conducting hand-to-hand drug deals through surveillance cameras operated by CitiWatch. Officers then attempted to arrest Nichols at the scene; he fled on his bicycle along West North Avenue but was apprehended after a brief pursuit.
Upon arresting and searching Nichols, law enforcement recovered a loaded Glock firearm strapped to his torso as well as glass vials containing cocaine and plastic gel capsules filled with a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine. Officers also seized $567 believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking activities. Due to prior convictions—including first degree assault, armed robbery, and previous drug distribution offenses—Nichols was legally barred from possessing firearms.
Nichols faces up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; this term would run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The charge for drug trafficking carries up to 20 years in prison while unlawful possession of firearms or ammunition is punishable by up to 15 years. Sentencing is set for Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m.
Federal sentences are often less than maximum penalties allowed by law; judges determine final sentences based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through cooperation among law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The Department’s strategy includes building trust within communities, supporting prevention programs run by local groups, focusing enforcement efforts strategically, and evaluating results over time.
U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the investigative work conducted by ATF, BPD, and BCPD. She also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Calvin C. Miner for prosecuting the case as well as Paralegal Specialist Drew Murray for legal support.
Further information about resources offered by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/ as well as its community outreach initiatives at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
"Kelly O. Hayes commended the ATF, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation."
"Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Calvin C. Miner who are prosecuting the federal case."
"She recognized Paralegal Specialist Drew Murray for his assistance and legal support."
