WASHINGTON D.C. – Wendell Smith, 60, is headed back to a federal prison cell after being sentenced to 32 months for illegally possessing a loaded firearm. The conviction comes despite a prior first-degree murder conviction that already cost Smith two decades of his life.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the sentence today, detailing how Smith was caught speeding on the Suitland Parkway on November 4, 2024. U.S. Park Police initiated a traffic stop, and things quickly escalated when officers observed Smith reaching towards the passenger side of his black Mercedes. The 60-year-old presented a driver’s license, but that wasn’t the end of the story.
A K-9 unit flagged the vehicle for narcotics, leading to a search that uncovered far more than just drugs. Inside a backpack on the passenger seat, officers discovered a Glock 27, .40 caliber pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Another bag on the floor revealed a staggering $78,000 in cash – raising questions about the source of the funds and Smith’s ongoing criminal activity.
Court records reveal Smith isn’t a stranger to the criminal justice system. He was previously convicted of first-degree murder while armed, along with other offenses, in D.C. Superior Court. In February 1990, he received a sentence of 20 years to life, a punishment that clearly failed to deter him from re-offending. He pleaded guilty on April 18, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
In addition to the 32-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration. While Smith’s latest stint behind bars might offer temporary relief to the streets of D.C., the question remains: will it be enough to finally break the cycle of violence for this repeat offender?
The investigation was spearheaded by the U.S. Park Police, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Strong handling the prosecution. The case number is 24cr534. Chief Jessica Taylor of the U.S. Park Police also joined in the announcement of Smith’s sentencing, signaling a continued commitment to combating gun violence in the nation’s capital.
RELATED: Ex-Con Back to Cell: Glock Lands Man 2 Years
RELATED: 25 Years for Capitol Heights Killer Andre Hicks
Related Federal Cases
- Smith Gets 10 Years for Stolen Gun Stash · New Mexico
- Pipe Bomb Bomber Gets Five Years for Racially Motivated Car Attack · Washington
- Parks Gets 8 Years for Assault Rifle Stash · Washington
- Tax Preparer Kyle Baxter Gets Two Years for Fraudulent Refunds · Washington
- Seattle Sex Offender Doran Gets 8+ Years, Linked to Vietnam Murder · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News