A federal jury in Baltimore has convicted Donte Williams, 33, of several drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Williams was found guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person, possessing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl with intent to distribute, and possessing 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 of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on September 28, 2022, officers approached Williams while he was sitting in the 500 block of Cumberland Street in Baltimore. As he walked away from officers, they noticed what appeared to be narcotics in his pocket. After arresting him, police recovered about 72 gel caps containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl from his pocket and found an Arcus Model 98DA 9mm pistol loaded with 13 rounds at his waist. Williams is barred from owning firearms due to prior convictions.
Police also seized approximately $820 believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking. A search of Williams’s vehicle led to the discovery of his identification and another 97 blue-and-white gel caps matching those found on him; these also contained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl.
Williams was acquitted on two separate counts related to alleged firearms possession during a car stop earlier that month.
He faces up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The drug trafficking conviction carries up to 20 years, while unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition could result in up to 15 years. Sentencing is set for November 21 at 10 a.m.
Sentences imposed for federal crimes are often less than the maximum allowed by law; judges consider sentencing guidelines and other factors before determining punishment.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department’s strategy for PSN includes building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the work done by ATF and BPD investigators as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stanton Lawyer and Patricia McLane who prosecuted the case.
Further details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office are available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
