Cordario Artez Crowder, Conspiracy to Commit False Statement, West …

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Baltimore man is facing federal time after admitting he orchestrated a scheme to illegally acquire a handgun, despite being a convicted felon. Cordario Artez Crowder, 27, also known as “Tony,” pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm” in a West Virginia courtroom.

According to U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Crowder wasn’t about to let a little thing like a felony conviction stand between him and a 9mm pistol. Back in October 2018, in Mineral County, West Virginia, Crowder enlisted an accomplice to lie on a federal form when purchasing the weapon. The goal? To put the gun in Crowder’s hands, knowing full well he was legally prohibited from owning one.

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was a calculated attempt to circumvent the law. Crowder, already carrying the baggage of a prior felony, deliberately sought to arm himself, raising serious questions about his intentions. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, piecing together the evidence that led to Crowder’s guilty plea.

Now, Crowder is staring down the barrel of a potential five-year prison sentence, alongside a hefty fine of up to $250,000. But the final sentence won’t be a simple calculation. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble will consider the severity of the crime and Crowder’s criminal history – if any – before handing down the punishment.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN isn’t just about arrests; it’s about a collaborative effort between law enforcement, community organizations, and prevention programs to tackle the root causes of violence and ensure lasting change. The DOJ touts PSN as an “evidence-based program proven to be effective.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is leading the prosecution. While Crowder’s scheme ultimately failed, it serves as a stark reminder that those who attempt to illegally obtain firearms will be pursued and held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it’s announced.

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