Anthony Nichols Convicted of Major Drug and Gun Crimes

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury has convicted Anthony Nichols, 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, on a host of serious charges including 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.

According to U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, Nichols was caught dealing drugs on the 500 block of Cumberland Street in Baltimore on May 1, 2023. The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) used CitiWatch cameras to observe hand-to-hand transactions before deploying officers to arrest him. Nichols fled on a bicycle but was quickly apprehended and searched. Authorities recovered a loaded Glock firearm, cocaine, fentanyl-laced capsules, and $567 in drug proceeds from his possession.

Nichols has a violent criminal history that includes first-degree assault, armed robbery, and previous possession of controlled substances. His conviction on the firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years consecutive to any other term, while the drug trafficking count could lead to up to 20 years in prison. The unlawful firearm and ammunition count is punishable by up to 15 years.

The sentencing hearing for Nichols is scheduled for November 21st at 10 a.m. Sentences for federal crimes are typically less than maximum penalties, as determined by a federal district court judge considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Calvin C. Miner are prosecuting the case, with Paralegal Specialist Drew Murray providing critical legal support.

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