Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Kentwan Russell, age 37, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Blake enhanced Russell’s sentence upon finding that Russell is an armed career criminal based on three previous drug convictions. Russell has been detained since his arrest on federal charges on September 15, 2011.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Gerido of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.

According to information presented to the Court, on December 15, 2010, Baltimore Police detectives went to a residence in Baltimore to locate Russell, who had an open arrest warrant for burglary. Officers found Russell in the home and twice ordered Russell to raise his hands above his head. Russell refused to comply, so the officers employed a taser. As they did so, the officers saw a silver handgun in Russell’s waistband. Russell attempted to run away, but was placed under arrest and the gun - a 9mm handgun, loaded with five rounds – was recovered.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Michael C. Hanlon, who prosecuted the case.

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