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Felon Jailed 15 Years for Gun Possession
A four-time Baltimore felon has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for being in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake handed down the sentence to 37-year-old Kentwan Russell, who was found with a loaded 9mm handgun during a police raid on December 15, 2010.
Russell, who had an open arrest warrant for burglary, refused to comply with police orders to raise his hands above his head. As officers employed a taser, they saw the gun in his waistband and attempted to flee, but was placed under arrest. The loaded handgun was recovered during the arrest.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein, along with Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Gerido of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Baltimore Field Division, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein, and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.
According to information presented to the Court, Russell has been detained since his arrest on federal charges on September 15, 2011. 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. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Michael C. Hanlon, who prosecuted the case.
Russell’s sentence was enhanced after Judge Blake found that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous drug convictions. This is not Russell’s first stint behind bars, having been previously convicted of burglary and drug-related offenses.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun possession by felons. As the city of Baltimore continues to grapple with gun violence, this sentence serves as a warning to those who would break the law and put the community at risk. Russell’s 15-year sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release, and he will have to serve the full term before being eligible for parole.
This case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in Baltimore. The collaboration between the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office led to the successful prosecution of this case and the removal of a dangerous individual from the streets.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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