Tavion Thomas, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Maryland 2022

BALTIMORE, MD – A 23-year-old Baltimore man is headed to federal prison after authorities found him armed with two stolen 9mm pistols, both loaded and ready to fire. Tavion Thomas was sentenced today to 33 months, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. The case shines a harsh light on the readily available guns fueling violence in the city.

According to court documents, Baltimore Police officers, acting on an open arrest warrant for a prior violent crime, located Thomas on September 10, 2022, in the 3200 block of Belair Road. A search of his backpack revealed a 9mm pistol with a round chambered and a magazine containing 14 rounds. But that wasn’t all. Officers also discovered a second 9mm pistol tucked into his waistband, also loaded with a round in the chamber and a 10-round magazine.

Beyond the immediate danger posed by the loaded weapons, investigators traced the guns back to thefts – one stolen from Bel Air, Maryland, and the other originating from Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas, already a convicted felon, knew he was prohibited from owning firearms, yet brazenly carried two stolen, loaded handguns. Adding to the haul found in his possession were nearly two kilograms of marijuana, packaged for distribution, according to authorities.

U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron didn’t mince words, stating, “Removing from the community — by any legal means necessary — those most likely to commit gun violence, guides the accountability arm of our work.” He emphasized that anyone caught illegally carrying a firearm will be held accountable, a statement likely aimed at deterring others considering similar actions.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Maryland State Police. The case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal program designed to reduce violent crime through coordinated law enforcement and community partnerships.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Aubin prosecuted the case. The 33-month sentence, while a win for law enforcement, raises questions about whether it’s enough to address the cycle of gun violence plaguing Baltimore. With stolen firearms flooding the streets and repeat offenders like Thomas facing relatively short sentences, the fight to reclaim the city’s neighborhoods remains a long and uphill battle.

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