BALTIMORE, MD – Ethan King, 20, of Baltimore is off the streets for eight years after a federal judge handed down a harsh sentence for possessing a firearm and ammunition despite a prior felony conviction. The case highlights the persistent flow of illegal weapons fueling violence in the city, and the ongoing efforts to keep them out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the sentence Friday, detailing how King pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. The investigation, a joint effort by the FBI, ATF, and Baltimore Police Department (BPD), revealed a brazen purchase and subsequent possession of a dangerous weapon. King will also face three years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court documents, on February 7, 2024, surveillance footage captured King entering a Baltimore convenience store. There, he acquired a Glock 19 handgun, not just with an extended magazine, but also equipped with a machinegun conversion device – commonly known as a “Glock switch.” These switches turn semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic firearms, exponentially increasing their destructive potential. This isn’t just about a gun; it’s about turning a handgun into a weapon of war.
Just over a month later, on March 15, law enforcement executed a search warrant at King’s residence and recovered the Glock 19. The weapon was still loaded with 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition and the illegal machinegun conversion device remained attached. The recovery confirmed the dangerous combination of an illegal firearm and the means to make it fully automatic, posing a significant threat to public safety.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime through collaborative efforts between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in 2021, emphasizing trust-building, community support, focused enforcement, and measurable results. While PSN aims to address root causes, it also delivers consequences for those who choose to arm themselves illegally.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the work of the FBI, ATF, and BPD in bringing King to justice, and specifically thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tsuei for his prosecution of the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its community outreach programs, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. The streets of Baltimore are a little safer tonight, but the fight against gun violence continues.”
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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