Adrian Austin, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Maryland 2024

Baltimore, Maryland – In a shocking turn of events, 35-year-old Baltimore resident Adrian Austin has pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge after just two days of trial in U.S. District Court. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Rod J. Rosenstein, and other key officials.

According to court records, on October 14, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Austin’s residence as part of an investigation into narcotics distribution. During the search, officers recovered a .40 caliber handgun and ammunition magazine in the living room closet, as well as a box of .40 caliber ammunition and a second firearm magazine in another closet in the house.

Further investigation revealed that the handgun had been reported stolen prior to being recovered during the search. When questioned about the gun, Austin claimed that he had acquired it for protection, but ultimately admitted that he knew and had reason to know that the firearm had been stolen. This admission is particularly damning, given Austin’s previous felony convictions, which render him prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Austin’s guilty plea was a significant blow to his defense team, who had been preparing for a lengthy trial. The guilty plea was announced just before Austin’s cross-examination was scheduled to resume on the third day of his trial. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Austin faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Rosenstein also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. Hanlon and Matthew M. DellaBetta for their tireless efforts in prosecuting the case.

The guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in Baltimore. The case serves as a stark reminder that possessing a stolen firearm is a serious offense, and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.

As the investigation continues, residents of Baltimore are left to wonder how Austin was able to acquire such a weapon, despite his known history of felony convictions. The case raises important questions about gun control and the need for stricter regulations to prevent individuals like Austin from accessing firearms.

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