GREENBELT, MD – Sean Christopher Henderson, 36, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is headed to federal prison for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Deborah J. Boardman, also includes three years of supervised release. Henderson’s repeated flouting of the law demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety, authorities say.
The case began to unfold in the early hours of November 9, 2020, when Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) officers responded to a reported shooting in District Heights, Maryland. They quickly located Henderson, identified as a possible suspect. A routine pat-down revealed more than just a potential shooter; officers discovered 0.5 ounces of PCP, valued at approximately $800, and 12.7 grams of marijuana, worth around $254. Nearby, they found a stolen 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol, loaded with nine rounds. The gun had been reported stolen in Virginia months earlier, on March 29, 2020. Henderson confessed to possessing the firearm in connection with his drug distribution activities.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Just over a year later, on October 3, 2021, PGPD officers again encountered Henderson, this time slumped over the driver’s seat of a vehicle in District Heights. A police helicopter unit alerted officers to the situation. Before even waking Henderson, officers spotted a handgun magazine peeking out from under a towel on the passenger seat. They secured a 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with a staggering 31 rounds in a large-capacity magazine, plus one in the chamber. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 246 grams of marijuana packaged on the passenger floor.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron emphasized that removing repeat offenders and illegal weapons from the streets is a top priority, but stated that his office is also invested in comprehensive violence prevention strategies, including youth outreach and reentry programs. While acknowledging the need for strict enforcement, Barron’s office also promotes initiatives aimed at helping returning citizens successfully reintegrate into society. However, in Henderson’s case, the judge clearly felt the severity of the repeated offenses warranted a substantial prison term.
Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the ATF Baltimore Field Division, along with Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz and State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, all contributed to the investigation and prosecution. The collaborative effort highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling gun violence and drug trafficking in the region. The ATF provided critical resources and expertise in tracing the stolen firearm and building the case against Henderson.
Henderson’s case serves as a stark reminder that individuals with felony convictions are prohibited from possessing firearms. His actions not only violated federal law but also endangered the community. With Henderson now facing seven years in federal prison, authorities hope this sentence will deter others from similar criminal behavior and contribute to a safer Prince George’s County.
Related Federal Cases
- David Webb, Fugitive in Possession of Firearms, Virginia 2024 · Virginia
- Devon Kennedy, Illegal Firearms Trafficking, VA 2016 · Virginia
- Todd Dwayne Mills, Jr., False Firearms Statement, Maryland 2021 · Virginia
- Dylan Michael Ward, Firearms Conspiracy, Maryland 2024 · West Virginia
- Louis Bernard Lee, Illegal Gun Possession, Virginia 2021 · Virginia
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News