D.C. Felon Packs Heat, Gets Two Years

A D.C. man with a history of gun offenses is trading the city streets for a federal cell after being sentenced to two years in prison for possessing a stolen firearm. Charles General, 29, learned his fate today in U.S. District Court, facing the consequences of a loaded Glock discovered in his coat pocket last October.

The bust went down October 13th, 2023, in a parking lot on Cedar Street SE. Metropolitan Police Department officers, responding to reports of marijuana smoking, approached General and a group of associates. A search of General revealed the .45 caliber Glock 30S – a weapon that quickly traced back to a burglary in Springfield, Virginia. Investigators determined the gun was stolen during the break-in, adding a significant layer to the charges against General.

This wasn’t a spontaneous decision to carry a firearm, and it wasn’t General’s first dance with the law. Court records show a prior felony conviction for carrying a pistol without a license in D.C. Superior Court. That conviction already stripped him of the right to legally possess a firearm, making the recent Glock find a clear violation of federal law and significantly impacting his sentencing. Prosecutors successfully argued this demonstrated a pattern of disregard for the law and public safety.

Federal prosecutors charged General with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). This statute carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but Judge Amit P. Mehta settled on 24 months, coupled with three years of supervised release post-incarceration. Sentencing guidelines consider factors like the defendant’s criminal history, the severity of the offense, and any acceptance of responsibility. General’s prior record undoubtedly played a major role in the judge’s decision.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF’s involvement highlights the seriousness of the case, as they specialize in tracing firearms and investigating gun-related crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole led the prosecution, framing the case within the ‘Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful’ initiative. While launched during the Trump administration, the initiative continues to be utilized by federal prosecutors to target violent crime and illegal gun trafficking in the District.

The ‘Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful’ program, while politically charged, underscores a broader federal focus on reducing gun violence in urban areas. Critics argue the program represents an over-federalization of local crime, while supporters maintain it provides crucial resources and coordination to combat escalating violence. Regardless of the political debate, the program has demonstrably increased federal prosecution of firearms offenses in D.C.

Beyond the immediate sentence, General’s felony conviction will have lasting repercussions. He’ll face significant challenges finding employment and housing after his release, and will be subject to strict conditions during his supervised release. The case serves as a stark warning to others: carrying an illegal firearm in D.C., particularly with a prior record, will lead to serious federal penalties.

The case number is 23cr402. The feds are hoping this conviction sends a message that they are serious about cracking down on illegal gun possession in the nation’s capital, even as the city continues to grapple with rising crime rates and the complexities of gun control.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice