Deon Thornton, a 32-year-old man from Suitland, Maryland, is headed to prison for his involvement in a string of gun and drug offenses. On May 28 and June 10, 2015, the ATF and DEA used a confidential source to purchase 56 grams and 62 grams of crack cocaine, respectively, from Thornton. Two weeks later, on June 9, 2015, ATF and DEA used an undercover officer to purchase a .357 caliber revolver from Thornton.
The investigation continued on June 23, 2015, when a confidential source for ATF and DEA purchased two guns, a 9mm pistol and a .22 caliber pistol, both with obliterated serial numbers, from Thornton. According to his plea agreement, Thornton has previous felony drug and gun convictions, making him prohibited from possessing a gun or ammunition.
On today, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Deon Thornton to eight years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of crack cocaine and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Boxler of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Washington Field Division; Chief M. Jay Farr of the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department; and Chief Earl L. Cook of the Alexandria, Virginia Police Department.
Thornton’s sentencing comes after a thorough investigation by the ATF, DEA, Alexandria Police Department, and Arlington Police Department. United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the agencies for their work in bringing Thornton to justice. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, who prosecuted the case.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun and drug crime in our communities. The sentencing of Deon Thornton is a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their actions and keeping our streets safer.
Defendant: Deon Thornton
Criminal Charges: Distribution of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
City and State: Greenbelt, Maryland
Exact Date: The sentencing took place on today
Sentence: Eight years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release
Related Federal Cases
- Zaid Rushdan, Federal Charges for Drug Distribution and Stolen Firearms, Maryland 2021 · District of Columbia
- Timothy Joseph Sullivan, Cocaine Trafficking, Virginia 2024 · Washington
- Steven Somers, Gun Possession by User, Maryland 2023 · Virginia
- Angela M. Blythe, Bank Fraud, Maryland 2014 · Washington
- Brian Hooper, Consulting Scam, Maryland 2008 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime