D.C. Dealer McNeil Gets 3 Years for Gun & Crack Near School

WASHINGTON D.C. – DeAngelo Wayne McNeil, 37, of Washington D.C., is headed back to prison after receiving a 36-month sentence today for a cocktail of offenses: unlawfully possessing a firearm and peddling crack cocaine disturbingly close to Phelps High School. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves announced the sentencing in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. McNeil’s history shows a clear pattern of disregard for the law, and this sentence reflects that.

McNeil pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024, to one count each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base near schools. Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg didn’t just stop at the three-year prison term; McNeil will also face six years of supervised release upon his eventual release. This isn’t McNeil’s first rodeo. Court records reveal he was already on release for similar charges – possessing a gun and cocaine – when he was busted again.

The latest trouble began September 21, 2023, when police apprehended McNeil near 1919 I Street, Northeast – a mere 850 feet from the grounds of Phelps High School. He was found with a set of vehicle keys in hand, and a search revealed he was carrying nearly 20 grams of a rock-like substance that tested positive for crack cocaine. A search of his person also uncovered $545.25 in cash and a small digital scale, classic tools of the trade for a street-level dealer.

The investigation didn’t end there. McNeil’s vehicle, located nearby, was subjected to a thorough search. Inside, officers found a staggering $4960 in cash stashed away. But the real heat came from the locked glovebox, where a loaded Glock model 30 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol was discovered. The weapon held one round in the chamber and a magazine packed with 12 more – a dangerous combination in a densely populated area near a school.

This case underscores the ongoing struggle to keep illegal firearms and narcotics off the streets of Washington D.C., especially near vulnerable populations like students. The Metropolitan Police Department conducted the investigation, demonstrating a commitment to tackling these issues head-on. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Lipes and Jared English skillfully prosecuted the case, securing a conviction and a sentence that, hopefully, will keep McNeil off the streets for a significant period.

In 2018, McNeil was previously convicted of possessing a gun and possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it, cementing his status as a repeat offender. This latest conviction adds another chapter to a criminal history that shows a consistent disregard for both the law and the safety of the community. The question remains: will this sentence finally be enough to break the cycle?