Jermaine Washington, a 36-year-old Baltimore resident, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison following his guilty plea for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. This case comes as part of the wider effort under Project Safe Neighborhoods to tackle gun violence and promote safety in communities. The announcement was made on July 19 by U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, along with law enforcement officials from the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department, according to the statement from the Department of Justice.
This isn't Washington's first encounter with the law, his criminal history includes armed robbery convictions in 2006 and 2013. His recent arrest stemmed from a May 6, 2022 traffic stop where Baltimore Police discovered the vehicle's faulty lights and an expired registration. They identified Washington and, aware of his outstanding warrant for domestic assault, searched his vehicle—to find a handgun in plain sight on the driver's side floorboard, loaded with ammunition. Washington's prior convictions meant possession of the weapon violated federal law.
Under a plea agreement, Washington acknowledged his knowledge of the prohibition against him possessing firearms. U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson concurred with the plea expressing the gravity of this matter with an expedited sentencing.
Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aims to bring law enforcement and community organizations together, serves as an integral backbone of the justice department’s strategy to reduce violent crimes.
