INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Deshawn Washington, 22, is headed back to federal prison after a brazen scheme to sell firearms – including an AR-style pistol – via Facebook landed him a 57-month sentence. The case, cracked by the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF), highlights a revolving door of crime for Washington, a repeat felon who seemingly learned no lesson from previous convictions.
Just 25 days after being released from the Indiana Department of Correction on May 12, 2023, Washington was arrested at his Indianapolis residence. Detectives, acting on information about illegal gun sales, found a Glock 43, 9mm semiautomatic handgun tucked into his front right pocket, loaded with a live round. A search of the home revealed a 5.56 AR-variant pistol with a high-capacity magazine, mirroring the weapon he’d advertised on Facebook under the alias “Dondre Willis.” He was selling these guns directly from his community corrections address, a clear slap in the face to the system meant to monitor him.
Court documents reveal Washington’s criminal history is extensive. Prior to this latest offense, he’d already been convicted of possessing a machine gun and dealing marijuana in 2022, leading to his initial incarceration. He also has two convictions for carrying a handgun without a license. These felonies should have permanently barred him from possessing firearms, but Washington clearly ignored the law, turning a profit from the illicit trade.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers minced no words, stating, “Again and again, this felon has been convicted for crimes involving illegal firearms possession. Nevertheless, he continued to illegally possess and even traffic in guns.” Myers emphasized the link between repeat offenders like Washington and the gun violence plaguing communities, adding that the partnership between his office and the ICGTF/ATF is crucial to getting these dangerous individuals off the streets.
Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, echoed that sentiment. “The continued illegal possession of firearms clearly shows the defendant’s disregard for the law and public safety,” McCormick said. “Even after being convicted of firearms crimes and serving prison time, he is back out in the community possessing and attempting to sell firearms.”
U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II imposed the 57-month sentence and ordered three years of supervised release following Washington’s incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash prosecuted the case, part of the broader ICGTF effort to dismantle illegal gun networks in central Indiana. The ICGTF is a collaborative force comprised of officers and analysts from multiple central Indiana law enforcement agencies, dedicated to stemming the flow of illegal firearms.
Related Federal Cases
- Jacob Tomlin & Ryan White, Gun Trafficking, Indianapolis IN, 2023 · Indiana
- Mark Winston Pickrell, Gun Trafficking, GA 2018 · Rhode Island
- Washington D.C. Man Found Guilty of Gun and Paraphernalia Possession · District of Columbia
- Gun Trafficking Ring Busted in Central Indiana: 15 Charged · Illinois
- Brandon Locke, Gun and Drug Trafficking, Virginia 2023 · Alabama
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons