Baltimore Field Division
Photo used under Creative Commons from flickr user sneakerdog
Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division. Our Division is responsible for criminal enforcement and industry operations in the States of Maryland and Delaware. Our dedicated work force is comprised of special agents, industry operations investigators, intelligence research specialists, forensic auditors, technical operations officers and support staff. ATF is a unique law enforcement agency that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, and explosives, acts of arson and bombings, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. Our commitment is to reduce crime in your communities, and keep you safe.
ATF is on the frontline in the reduction of violent crime. Baltimore Field Division’s special agents combat firearms violence by focusing their investigative efforts on armed violent offenders, armed career criminals, illegal gun traffickers and violent criminal gangs. We work with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies throughout Maryland and Delaware to accomplish our vital mission. We not only pledge this commitment as part of our mandate, but we are dedicated to enhancing our partner’s efforts through training, and the sharing of our valuable knowledge, skills, and expertise.
ATF is dedicated to protecting our nation from the illicit use of arson and explosives in violent crime and related incidents. Baltimore’s Arson and Explosives Group brings together ATF’s assets and expertise in arson and explosives investigations. This group works to identify and investigate the criminal misuse of explosives and fire, while deterring acts of violence associated with fire and explosives. Our special agents participate in high-profile arson and explosive-related investigations. In 2003, ATF led the serial arson task force which helped to successfully identify, arrest and prosecute the serial arsonist who had terrorized the Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas. As a result of this investigation, a violent and calculating offender was sentenced to life in prison, and our special agents were able to solve over 350 intentionally-set fires.
The Baltimore Field Division leads the law enforcement effort in Maryland EXILE. This program was developed to identify repeat violent offenders and career criminals who were arrested for firearms-related offenses on the State level; specifically in Baltimore, Prince George’s, Frederick, and Wicomico counties. These cases are then referred for prosecution in the Federal system where the minimum mandatory sentences are more severe, and there is no possibility for parole. Operation FED-UP is an “exile” type project led by the special agents in our Wilmington Field Office. FED-UP stands for Federal Enforcement and Detention in Urban Policing. Since the inception of both programs, several hundred violent offenders have been “exiled” from Maryland and Delaware.
ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency in the Violent Crime Impact Teams (VCIT) initiative, which uses innovative technology, analytical investigative resources and an integrated Federal, State and local law enforcement strategy to identify, disrupt, arrest and prosecute the most violent criminals. Baltimore Field Division’s Violent Crime Impact Team (VCIT) is one of only 31 teams throughout the country who are specifically tasked to focus on the most violent areas of a community. VCIT’s primary goal is to reduce the number of homicides and other violent crimes committed with firearms. Since 2003, Baltimore’s VCIT has arrested and worked to prosecute over 150 violent career offenders and gang members in Baltimore, and throughout the State of Maryland. The positive results of reducing a community’s incidents of homicide and other violent crimes committed with firearms, through the removal of those responsible, will have a lasting effect in making that community safer.
In 2003, in response to crime statistics and violence manifested among the growing gang community, ATF’s Baltimore Field Division established the Regional Area Gang Enforcement (RAGE) unit, currently located in Greenbelt, Maryland. RAGE is a task force dedicated solely to the investigation, prosecution and dismantling of gangs in the State of Maryland and in the Washington DC Metropolitan region. The mission of the RAGE Task Force is to conduct long term, multi-defendant criminal investigations of violent streets gangs relying on the partnership of Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies. RAGE works to target the leadership hierarchy of criminal street gangs in conjunction with the most violent members of those gangs, and seek long term prison sentences for those members. To date, the RAGE Task Force has identified and investigated hundreds of members of various gangs in the Maryland/DC Metropolitan area, to include the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, and most recently the Latin Kings. ATF has worked with the United States Attorney’s Office to charge over 50 MS-13 gang members with various federal offenses, with 30 of these defendants charged in a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) conspiracy case.
ATF is responsible for regulating the firearms and explosives industries. ATF protects our communities by preventing the illegal use and trafficking of firearms and explosives, while ensuring that all firearms and explosives are stored, handled and sold in a safe manner that is in accordance with federal law. The Baltimore Field Division’s Industry Operations Investigators (IOIs) oversee the inspection of over 2,300 Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) and over 125 Explosives Licensees/Permittees within the States of Maryland and Delaware. Our top priority is to educate and ensure compliance amongst our firearms and explosives licensees. Our IOIs provide instruction and guidance to licensees and the general public at gun shows, blaster’s conferences and other trade venues. We also hold licensees accountable for their negligence if they were determined as having willfully disregarded federal regulations. Through education, compliance, and the imposition of penalties, our Industry Operation Investigators work to enforce firearms and explosives laws and regulations- which in turn keeps our public safe.
ATF investigates crimes involving the general diversion of tobacco products within the United States marketplace, as well as the trafficking of contraband and counterfeit cigarettes and counterfeit tax indicia into the United States. While effectively coordinating with other law enforcement, State regulatory agencies, and the tobacco industry itself, the Baltimore Field Division investigates those offenders who have illegally trafficked cigarettes for personal profit or gain, or for the fund-raising of a larger criminal organization. These criminals rob our State of taxes that were levied to benefit the citizens of our community. To combat the growing problem of illicit cigarette trafficking, the Baltimore Field Division has launched several proactive investigations both in Maryland and in Delaware.
In addition to our Field Division, the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area is also home to one of ATF’s three forensic science laboratories. The ATF National Laboratory located in Beltsville, Maryland, is led by forensic chemists and experts who specialize in firearms and tool mark examination, explosives and arson debris examination, and fingerprint analysis. The facility also houses the Fire Research Laboratory — a state-of-the-art complex where fire investigation specialists conduct scientific research on fire scene indicators and improve fire scene reconstruction and fire evidence analysis.
ATF has unique statutory authority over the “tools of the trade” that make violent offenders and gangs a threat to public safety. ATF’s core jurisdiction — enforcing federal laws that prohibit violence and the illicit use of firearms, bombs and explosives, as well as fire and arson — places ATF at the center of criminal investigations. The Baltimore Field Division’s successful law enforcement initiatives, like our Violent Crime Impact Team, Maryland Exile, and our RAGE Task Force place an emphasis on ending gang violence and violent crime that erodes the quality of life in our neighborhoods. We will continue our mission each and every day to keep you and your children safe. You have my commitment.
Theresa R. Stoop
Division Management Team
- Theresa Stoop
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- David McCain
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Sheree Mixell
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Vacant
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Clare Weber
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Baltimore Press Release Updates
“Wise Guyz” Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun Offenses
August 26, 2010
Benjamin Lee, age 25, of Cumberland, Maryland pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and possession of a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking. More »
Latin Kings Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy That Included Two Attempted Murders, Armed Robbery and Witness Tampering
August 25, 2010
Defendant Admits Membership in Violent Gang with Thousands of Members Greenbelt, Maryland - Francisco Ortiz, a/k/a Francis Gabriel Ortis,
Pone,
and King Pone,
age 26, of Rockville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, in connection with his gang activities as a member and leader of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings). More »
Baltimore Man Exiled to Over 10 Years in Prison for Two Armed Carjackings
August 23, 2010
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Dennis Hairston, age 20, of Baltimore, today to 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit carjacking and possession of a gun in furtherance of a crime of violence. More »
MS-13 Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Offenses Including the Murder of a Witness
August 6, 2010
Juan Carlos Moreira, a/k/a “Stokey” and “Stocky,” age 30, a native of El Salvador who resided in Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of a racketeering enterprise known as MS-13, conspiracy to participate in racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, witness tampering murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. More »
Frederick Felon Exiled to 15 Years in Prison on Federal Gun and Drug Charges
August 5, 2010
U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced David Allen Hughes, Jr., age 33, of Frederick, today to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. More »
Highland Arsonist Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison
August 2, 2010
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Scott Daniel Wilson, age 57, of Highland, Maryland, late Friday evening, July 30, 2010, to the statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for arson. Judge Bennett enhanced Wilson’s sentence upon finding that Wilson is a career offender and a serial arsonist who poses a continuing threat to the safety of the community. More »
ATF and Local Law Enforcement Join Hands With the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Teaching Kids to Resist Gangs
July 30, 2010
The “Choose to be G.R.E.A.T” (Gang Resistance Education and Training) camp was held in cooperation with the New Psalmist Baptist Church the week of July 26, 2010. This unique camp experience was designed for children ages 9-12, and was one of the first faith-based partnerships between a local church and area law enforcement. This is the second year of the camp, and a successful example of law enforcement befriending our youth. More »
Mayor Rawlings-Blake Announces Success of Enhanced Police Gun Suppression Efforts
July 1, 2010
Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld, U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph Riehl to report the outcome of recent gun suppression efforts and violent crime reduction in Baltimore. More »
Aberdeen Gang Member Convicted of Baltimore Carjacking
June 25, 2010
A federal jury convicted Tyrone Moore, age 19, of Aberdeen, Maryland, late on June 23, 2010, on charges of conspiring to and committing a carjacking, as well as possession of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence. More »
Eastern Shore TTP Leader and Baltimore TTP Bloods Member Who Produced “Stop Snitching” Videos Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Racketeering Activities
June 25, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Sherman Pride, a/k/a Dark Black and DB, age 35, of Salisbury, Maryland, to 292 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release; and sentenced co-defendant Ronnie Thomas, a/k/a Rodney Thomas, Skinny Suge and Tall Vialz, age 36, of Baltimore, to 235 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a racketeering conspiracy through the Tree Top Piru Bloods (TTP Bloods), which engaged in narcotics trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder and robbery. More »
TTP Bloods Leader Sentenced to 30 Years for Gang Racketeering Activities
June 23, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Michelle Hebron, a/k/a “Michelle Hell” and “BG,” age 25, of Hagerstown and Annapolis, Maryland, today to 30 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy through the Tree Top Piru Bloods (TTP Bloods), which engaged in narcotics trafficking and robbery. Hebron pleaded guilty to that offense on the second day of her trial. More »
PDL Bloods Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering and Drug Conspiracies Involving Murder and Attempted Murders
June 22, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Terrence Richardson, a/k/a “Squeaky,” “Don,” and “L-Don,” age 30, of Baltimore, today to two life terms in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with attempt to distribute drugs, and conspiracy to conduct and participate in the racketeering enterprise activities of the Pasadena Denver Lanes Bloods gang (PDL Bloods). Richardson was convicted at trial on March 19, 2010. More »
White Hall, Maryland Resident and Company Indicted for Conspiring to Illegally Distribute Explosive Materials
June 21, 2010
A federal grand jury has indicted Dennis Coster, age 57, of White Hall, Maryland, and the company he operated, Fireworks Productions, Inc. for conspiracy to deal in explosive materials and to create a false entry in a required record, submitting false documents, and obstruction of an agency proceeding. More »
Latin Kings Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy
June 9, 2010
Andres Echevarria, a/k/a B-Boy
and King B-Boy,
age 23, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, in connection with his gang activities as a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings). More »
Member of “B-6” Drug Gang in Frederick Exiled to Over 17 Years in Prison
April 15, 2010
U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Jesse Dorsz, age 28, of Walkersville, Maryland, today to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. More »
Two TTP Bloods Members Convicted of Racketeering Activities
April 15, 2010
A federal jury convicted Tavon Mouzone, a/k/a “Batman” and “Bloody Batman,” age 24, of Baltimore County, Maryland and Anthony Fleming, a/k/a “Mo Easy,” age 23, of Baltimore today of participating in a racketeering conspiracy through the Tree Top Piru Bloods (TTP Bloods), which engaged in narcotics trafficking and robbery. More »
Member of “B-6” Drug Gang in Frederick Exiled to Over 17 Years in Prison
April 15, 2010
U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Jesse Dorsz, age 28, of Walkersville, Maryland, today to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. More »
Two Baltimore Men Plead Guilty to Armed Carjacking
April 8, 2010
Kenard Lawson, age 19, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to carjacking and using a gun during the carjacking. Co-defendant Keith Dorsey, age 22, also of Baltimore, pleaded guilty on April 5, 2010 to the same offenses. More »
Temple Hills Drug Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges
April 5, 2010
U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Salah Murad Benson, age 37, of Temple Hills, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison followed by eight years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. More »
TTP Bloods Member Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison for Racketeering Activities
March 31, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Antwoine Gross, age 23, of Essex, Maryland, today to 151 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to conduct and participate in the activities of a racketeering enterprise known as the Tree Top Piru Bloods (TTP Bloods). More »
PDL Bloods Member Sentenced to More Than 22 Years for Conspiracy to Participate in a Racketeering Enterprise
March 26, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Antonio White, age 25, of Baltimore, today to 262 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise related to his gang activities as a PDL Blood. Judge Quarles also found that White is a career criminal based on two previous narcotics convictions. More »
MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison After Being Convicted of Racketeering Offenses Encompassing Murder
March 24, 2010
U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Roberto Antonio Argueta, a/k/a “Alex Antonio Cruz,” a/k/a “Buda,” age 29, of Hyattsville, Maryland, today to life in prison, plus an additional 35 years, for ordering the murder of Nancy Diaz and the attempted murder of another juvenile girl. More »
PDL Bloods Leader and Associate Convicted in Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine
March 19, 2010
A federal jury convicted Terrence Richardson, a/k/a “Squeaky,” “Don,” and “L-Don,” age 30 and Gregory Saulsbury, age 46, both of Baltimore, today for conspiracy to distribute and possess with attempt to distribute drugs. More »
PDL Bloods Gang Member Exiled to 24 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Federal Racketeering Conspiracy
March 12, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Emiliano Aguas, age 33, of Baltimore, to 24 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after Aguas pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to conduct and participate in the racketeering enterprise activities of the Pasadena Denver Lanes Bloods gang (PDL Bloods). (PDL Bloods). More »
Two PDL Bloods Gang Members Sentenced to a Total of More Than 33 Years in Prison For Federal Racketeering Conspiracy
March 5, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Avon Banks, age 23, and Quincy Williams, age 21, both of Baltimore, today to 262 months in prison, and 121 months in prison, respectively, each followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to conduct and participate in the racketeering enterprise activities of the Pasadena Denver Lanes Bloods gang (PDL Bloods). More »
Baltimore Felon Exiled to Over 12 Years in Prison
March 2, 2010
U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Daryl Smith, age 30, of Baltimore, today to 151 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a gun by a felon. More »
Steven Stone Sentenced to Over 24 Years in Prison for the Witness Tampering Murder of David Lee
March 1, 2010
U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Steven Leroy Stone, age 25, of Frederick, Maryland, today to 292 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit witness tampering and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and a crime of violence resulting in death, in connection with the murder of David Lee. More »
PDL Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Prison for Federal Racketeering Conspiracy and Illegal Gun Possession
March 1, 2010
U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Ronald Elzey, age 29, of Baltimore, today to 262 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to conduct and participate in the racketeering enterprise activities of the Pasadena Denver Lanes Bloods gang (PDL Bloods), and for being a felon in possession of a gun. More »
Riverdale Felon Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses
February 25, 2010
U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Jamal Siddq Rickenbacker, age 29, of Riverdale, Maryland, today to 14 years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for distributing crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a gun. Judge Titus enhanced Rickenbacker's sentence upon finding that Rickenbacker is an armed career criminal based on three previous convictions for drug offenses. More »
ATF Offers $5,000 Reward in Gun Store Burglary
February 25, 2010
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Theresa R. Stoop of the Baltimore Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the burglary of The Bank, a federally licensed firearms (FFL) dealer, located at 323 St. John Street, Havre de Grace, Maryland. More »
Baltimore TTP Bloods Leader Who Produced “Stop Snitching” Videos and Eastern Shore TTP Leader Convicted of Racketeering Activities
January 29, 2010
A federal jury convicted Sherman Pride, a/k/a Dark Black and DB, age 35, of Salisbury, Maryland; and Ronnie Thomas, a/k/a Rodney Thomas, Skinny Suge and Tall Vialz, age 36, of Baltimore, yesterday evening of participating in a racketeering conspiracy through the Tree Top Piru Bloods (TTP Bloods), which engaged in narcotics trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder and robbery. More »
Baltimore County Felon Sentenced to Six Years in Prison For Threatening Arson and Witness Tampering
January 22, 2010
U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Darrell Hall, age 41, of Pikesville, Maryland today to six years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for threatening to set fire to a building occupied by an insurance company and witness tampering. More »
Brian Rose Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for the January 2006 Murder of Carjacking Victim
January 20, 2010
U.S. District Court Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Brian Keith Rose, age 24, of Baltimore, today to 40 years in prison without the possibility of parole followed by 5 years of supervised release for the January 2006 attempted carjacking of Warren T. Fleming, resulting in Mr. Fleming’s death. More »
Maryland Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Destructive Device
January 19, 2010
U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Collin McKenzie-Gude, age 20, of Bethesda, Maryland, today to 61 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of an unregistered destructive device. More »
Four-Time Felon Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison For Illegal Possession of a Gun
January 11, 2010
Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Bernard Way, age 35, of Laurel, Maryland, today to 190 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. More »
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 35 Years in Prison For Drug and Gun Offenses
January 8, 2010
U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Douglas Roseby, age 47, of Baltimore, today to 35 years in prison followed by eight years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and heroin, possession of a gun to further a drug trafficking crime and possession of a gun by a convicted felon. Judge Motz enhanced Roseby’s sentence upon finding that he was both a career offender and an armed career criminal based on two previous convictions for drug offenses. More »
PDL Bloods Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Carjacking and Drug Dealing
January 4, 2010
Gary Knight, age 18, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and other drugs and carjacking, related to his gang activities. More »