Anthony Nichols Convicted of Federal Drug and Firearms Crimes in Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD – A federal jury has convicted Anthony Nichols, 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

The trial, which spanned four days, revealed evidence that Nichols dealt drugs on the 500 block of Cumberland Street in Baltimore. The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) caught him in the act through their CitiWatch surveillance cameras, but he escaped on a bicycle before being apprehended by law enforcement.

During the arrest, officers seized a loaded Glock firearm from Nichols’ torso, as well as glass vials of cocaine and plastic gel capsules containing a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine. They also recovered $567 in drug proceeds. Nichols is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior convictions for first-degree assault, armed robbery, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Nichols faces up to life imprisonment for the firearm charge, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The drug trafficking count is punishable up to 20 years, while the unlawful firearm and ammunition count carries a maximum penalty of 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, November 21, at 10 a.m.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence in neighborhoods across the country. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the ATF, BPD, and Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) for their roles in the investigation.

Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Calvin C. Miner for their prosecution efforts and recognized Paralegal Specialist Drew Murray for his support. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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