Mark Ryals, 35, gets 42 months for Unlicensed Firearms Dealing in Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland – In a bold move against gun violence, a federal court has sentenced Mark Ryals, 35, to 42 months in prison for dealing in firearms without a license. This is a significant blow to the underground firearms market.

Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar handed down the sentence, which includes three years of supervised release. This is a stark reminder that the law will not tolerate those who seek to profit from the illicit firearms trade.

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their tireless efforts in bringing Ryals to justice. ‘We will continue to work together to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer,’ Barron said.

Ryals’ guilty plea revealed that he had been selling firearms from his Baltimore residence, despite being prohibited from possessing them due to a final protective order. This is a clear example of the devastating consequences of gun violence.

Between July 15 and August 11, 2021, Ryals sold firearms to undercover law enforcement personnel on six separate occasions, resulting in the purchase of 21 additional firearms. The total amount of firearms sold during this period is staggering.

A search warrant executed at Ryals’ residence on August 12, 2021, recovered two privately manufactured 9mm pistols, one of which was equipped with a large capacity magazine, a short-barreled 12-gauge shotgun with no serial number, a .22 caliber firearm, 237 rounds of assorted ammunition, and $1,190 in cash.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities. We will continue to work together to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The sentence of 42 months in prison for Mark Ryals sends a strong message that the law will not tolerate those who engage in unlicensed firearms dealing. We must strive to create a safer and more just society for all.