Dewayne Anthony Shorter Jr., a 36-year-old District resident, has pled guilty to a pair of felony charges tied to armed drug distribution, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The admission came as part of the "Make D.C. Safe Again" initiative – a concerted effort to clamp down on violence and gun-related crimes across the capital.
Shorter entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan, acknowledging his role in the distribution of marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids, as well as possessing firearms to further a drug trafficking offense. He is poised now to face a minimum of five years behind bars, with the sentencing set for August 28. "Make D.C. Safe Again" is reported to focus on reinforcing resources to tackle such violent crime, chasing after tougher penalties and prioritizing federal firearms violations.
The guilty plea comes in the wake of a January bust where Shorter was found with an array of substances including 2.75 pounds of marijuana, THC wax, and synthetic drugs known as "boot" inside his 2022 Infiniti SUV. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also uncovered an assembly of firearms which included a Glock 19, an Aero Precision AR-Pistol, and more, all loaded and ready.
In addition to what was found in his vehicle, Shorter admitted to having more illegal substances at his apartment – specifically synthetic cannabinoids, suspected fentanyl, and more "boot". The MPD's search yielded further weaponry, such as a Ruger handgun and two disassembled AR-15 style rifles. This further incriminates Shorter, already marked by his record as a convicted felon with prior convictions, including assaults on police officers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson is leading the prosecution on this case, which was brought to light through the investigative work of the MPD.
