Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Baltimore Armed Career Criminal Exiled to 15 Years Prison for Illegal Possession of a Gun and Ammunition
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Robert Stewart, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Hollander enhanced Stewart’s sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on four previous drug convictions.
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 his plea agreement, in early 2013, Baltimore Police officers received information that an individual, later identified as Robert Stewart, was engaged in drug trafficking while armed with a firearm in the 1200 block of Washington Boulevard in Baltimore. Officers watched the vehicle Stewart was using to conduct the drug trafficking and saw Stewart leaving in the car with a woman driving and returning no more than 15 minutes later.
On February 4, 2013, the officers received information that Stewart was returning to his residence with the gun in the car after having just dropped off narcotics. Officers stopped the car and saw Stewart bend down with hands between his feet. After repeated commands to show his hands, Stewart eventually put both hands in the air and officers removed Stewart and the driver from the vehicle.
During a search of the car officers recovered a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with six rounds of .45 caliber automatic, full metal jacket cartridges from the front passenger floor, partially hidden beneath the seat. After being advised of his rights, Stewart admitted that the gun was his.
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 Debra L. Dwyer, who prosecuted the case.