Vincent Lee Alston, who played a key role in a 2023 Maryland pawn shop burglary that resulted in the theft of dozens of firearms, has been sentenced to a seven-year prison term, the U.S. Attorney's office announced. On March 6, Alston, also known as "Vedo," pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson.
As detailed in court documents, Alston, along with his accomplices, targeted the A&D Pawn Shop in Glen Burnie, a Federal Firearms Licensee, on December 13, 2023. The heist involved cutting security measures and forcibly entering the shop to take at least 34 firearms. Following the burglary, a crashed Hyundai led to the arrest of Alston, where authorities recovered some of the stolen firearms and found Alston's damaged iPhone with evidence pointing to his involvement. Alston's sentencing also includes three years of supervised release following his prison term.
Thus far, almost half of the stolen weaponry has been recovered by law enforcement. The captured firearms included a Smith & Wesson, M&P 9 mm, discovered with Alston at the time of his arrest at his apartment complex on December 15, 2023.
In the aftermath of this meticulously planned and executed burglary, Alston's co-conspirators have also faced the consequences of their actions. Niquan "Stickz" Odumn received a 48-month prison sentence for his participation in the theft and possession of stolen firearms. Similarly, Juwon Markel Anderson was handed an 84-month sentence for the burglary and efforts to sell several stolen guns; his arrest and sentencing sent a clear message about the severity with which the justice system is treating firearm-related crimes. Co-defendant Tyjuan McNeal awaits sentencing on July 1, and another member of the group, Cy'juan Hemsley, has pleaded guilty with sentencing pending.
This case, which involved collaboration between the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department with support from the ATF Baltimore Field Division, highlights the continued focus on dismantling illegal gun trade operations. Both the prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar with assistance from former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes, and federal law enforcement have emphasized the importance of such joint efforts in curbing the flow of unregulated firearms, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's office.
