A Northwest D.C. man, previously convicted of felony charges, has been indicted anew for illegal possession of a firearm. As released today on the U.S. Attorney's website, 39-year-old David Oday Smith was charged under the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" initiative, an enforcement endeavor to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety.
Under the glare of scrutiny from the Metropolitan Police Department's Fourth District Crime Suppression Team, Smith was spotted on July 14, trying to seemingly evade detection whilst clutching a black satchel. Upon law enforcement approach, he elected to hastily flee, abandoning the satchel that was later found to contain a loaded Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood, and MPD Chief Pamela Smith jointly announced the indictment against Smith, a convicted felon not lawfully permitted to carry firearms or ammunition.
Smith’s new federal charge for unlawful firearms possession resurfaces his troubled legacy—one dating back to 2009 when Prince George's County, Maryland, rendered a verdict of second degree murder against him. His possession of a firearm violates laws tied to his criminal record and could lead to federal penalties. Like his previous charges, this one aligns with the goals of the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" initiative.
The initiative, a direct offspring of President Trump's Executive Order, seeks to systematically dismantle gun violence, aggressively indicting those in violation of firearm regulations. The endeavor does not only seek to prosecute but also aims to ultimately detain those found in transgression of federal firearms statutes. Spearheaded by the ATF Washington Field Office and MPD, the case will be prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss. While an indictment must not be confused with a conviction, and all defendants retain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the consequences loom large for Smith should a guilty verdict be rendered.
