Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Previously Convicted Felon Exiled to Eight Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Deon Thornton, age 32, of Suitland, Maryland, today to eight years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of crack cocaine and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Boxler of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Chief M. Jay Farr of the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department; and Chief Earl L. Cook of the Alexandria, Virginia Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on May 28 and June 10, 2015, the ATF and DEA used a confidential source to purchase 56 grams and 62 grams of crack cocaine, respectively, from Thornton. On June 9, 2015, ATF and DEA used an undercover officer to purchase a .357 caliber revolver from Thornton. On June 23, 2015, a confidential source for ATF and DEA purchased two guns, a 9mm pistol and a .22 caliber pistol, both with obliterated serial numbers, from Thornton.
Thornton has previous felony drug and gun convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing a gun or ammunition.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, DEA, Alexandria Police Department and Arlington Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, who prosecuted the case.
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