Maryland Gun Smuggler Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – In a gritty admission of guilt, Dylan Michael Ward, 22, from Hagerstown, Maryland, has confessed to his role in a firearms conspiracy that spanned across state lines. United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II made the announcement today.

Ward, who stands accused of working with associates to transport firearms illicitly from West Virginia into Maryland, faced the music during a guilty plea on one count of ‘Conspiracy.’ The sordid transactions took place in Berkeley County and beyond between March and April 2021.

This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill crime. Ward is staring down the barrel of up to five years behind bars and a staggering fine of $250,000. As per the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the severity of his offense and any past criminal history will determine his ultimate sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher has taken the helm on this case, representing the interests of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has been instrumental in the investigation leading to Ward’s conviction.

The proceedings were presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble, ensuring that justice was served according to the letter of the law.

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