Charles Couser, Armed Carjacking, Maryland 2020

Baltimore Felon Faces Federal Indictment on Armed Carjacking, Fentanyl Charges

A federal grand jury has indicted Charles Couser, 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, on federal charges of carjacking, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.

The indictment alleges that Couser carjacked an individual at gunpoint on January 31, 2020, and possessed cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute the drug the next day. The indictment also alleges that Couser possessed a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and 14 .40-caliber jacketed flat point cartridges in furtherance of his drug distribution.

Charles Couser is a 27-year-old resident of Baltimore, Maryland. He faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison for carjacking, a mandatory seven years and a maximum of life in federal prison for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, a mandatory five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

According to the indictment, the crimes occurred in Baltimore, Maryland, and the charges include:

1. Carjacking: 15 years in federal prison

2. Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence: 7 years to life in federal prison

3. Possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl: 20 years in federal prison

4. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime: 5 years to life in prison

5. Being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition: 10 years in prison

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Charles Couser is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Goldsticker for prosecuting the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/baltimore-felon-facing-federal-indictment-armed-carjacking-possession-intent-distribute