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Salisbury Felon Faces Federal Charges for Gun Trafficking and Ammunition Possession
Baltimore, Maryland – A 52-year-old Salisbury man is facing federal charges for gun trafficking and illegal possession of ammunition.
Jeffrey Dean Lecates was arrested on March 24, 2021, and appeared in U.S. District Court the same day. He was ordered to be detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for March 31, 2021.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner, Lecates was charged with dealing firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of ammunition. If convicted, Lecates faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and a maximum of 5 years in federal prison for unlicensed selling of firearms.
The investigation, which is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime, was conducted by the DEA, ATF, and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. The agencies executed a search warrant at Lecates’ home on February 23, 2021, and seized a number of items, including a 45-round capacity black PMAG magazine, numerous rounds of live ammunition, and tools used to assemble firearms.
A forensic analysis of Lecates’ cell phone allegedly revealed text messages indicating that Lecates was building and illegally selling/transferring firearms and ammunition. Photographs of weapons were also allegedly located on Lecates’ phone, including at least 12 outgoing photos of firearms.
Lecates is currently being held pending a detention hearing. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is a reminder of the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods in reducing violent crime and making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Defendant: Jeffrey Dean Lecates
Criminal Charges: Dealing firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of ammunition
City and State: Baltimore, Maryland
Date: March 24, 2021
Sentence: Pending
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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