Related Federal Cases
- DC Gunrunner Sentenced to 84 Months for trafficking over 200 Firearms · Washington
- Demetrius Muschetta Sentenced to 13 Years for Leading Narcotics Ring · Maryland
- Pit Bull Puppy Scam Lands Maryland Man in Federal Prison · Maryland
- Maryland Man Sentenced to Over 22 Years for Fatal Stabbing · Maryland
- Maryland-Va. Gunmen Charged in DC Shooting That Wounded Two · Maryland
Local Man Accused of Trafficking Heroin and Possessing Firearms
James Venable, a 40-year-old man from Temple Hills, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to federal firearms and narcotics offenses in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to court documents, Venable was found in possession of a loaded 9 mm handgun and 32 grams of heroin in his vehicle on December 5, 2017.
Law enforcement executed search warrants on three locations and five vehicles on February 1, 2018, leading to the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and quantities of narcotics. During the investigation, Venable was arrested twice in possession of distribution quantities of narcotics and a loaded firearm.
On February 1, 2018, law enforcement recovered three baggies containing approximately 10.6 grams of heroin and $852 in cash from Venable’s person. They also found a loaded .45 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen, as well as various scales and packaging materials for narcotics.
Venable faces up to 30 years in prison, following his guilty plea to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a crime punishable in excess of 12 months in prison and one count of unlawful distribution of a detectable amount of heroin. The Honorable Amit P. Mehta scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2018.
One other defendant, Darryl Smith, has already pleaded guilty to federal narcotics and firearms offenses, and is to be sentenced on August 15, 2018. Another defendant, Anthony Fields, is awaiting trial.
U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced the guilty plea, stating that Venable’s actions pose a significant threat to public safety. Special Agent in Charge Thomas L. Chittum III of the Washington Field Division of the ATF, Chief Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department, and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department also expressed their support for the investigation and prosecution of Venable.
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
