Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Baltimore, Maryland – Adrian Austin, age 35, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty on December 14, 2016, to possession of a stolen gun. The guilty plea occurred just before Austin’s cross-examination was scheduled to resume on the third day of his trial in U.S. District Court.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

According to his plea agreement and evidence presented at trial, on October 14, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Austin’s residence as part of an investigation into narcotics distribution. During the search, law enforcement recovered a .40 caliber handgun and ammunition magazine in the living room closet, and a box of .40 caliber ammunition and a second firearm magazine in another closet in the house. Neither magazine matched the firearm that was recovered. The handgun had been reported stolen prior to being recovered during the search. After being advised of his rights, Austin stated that he had acquired the gun for protection. As a result of previous felony convictions, federal law prohibits Austin from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Austin admits that, given the circumstances under which he acquired the firearm, he knew and had reason to know that the firearm had been stolen.

Austin faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

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 U.S. Attorney Michael C. Hanlon and Matthew M. DellaBetta, who are prosecuting the case.