Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Damien Henry Thomas, age 37, of Langley Park, Maryland, today to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute crack and powder cocaine, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Grimm found that Thomas was an armed career criminal and a career offender. Judge Grimm also entered an order requiring Thomas to forfeit a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition, as well as $2,916 in drug proceeds.

The sentence 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; and Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, from February through May 2014, Thomas was part of a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in which Thomas purchased crack cocaine from several suppliers for resale to his own narcotics customers. At times, Thomas would consult with his suppliers before confirming the price of a narcotics sale to his customers. Thomas conducted narcotics transactions with his customers in their vehicles and in the parking lots of commercial establishments.

For example, on three occasions from February 28 through March 20, 2014, Thomas sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant (CI) working at the direction of law enforcement. The transactions occurred in the CI’s car and were recorded. The CI met Thomas at his residence or at commercial locations, at Thomas’ direction, in order to make the purchase. On two occasions Thomas met with one of his suppliers prior to supplying the CI with crack cocaine. Thomas sold the CI a total of 51.9 grams of crack cocaine for a total of $2,800.

Thomas admitted that during his participation in the conspiracy, between 280 and 840 grams of crack cocaine, and between 500 grams and two kilograms of powder cocaine were distributed.

On June 14, 2014, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thomas’ residence and recovered a .38 caliber revolver hidden behind the property’s fence. On recorded jail calls Thomas made that evening he is heard expressing his displeasure at law enforcement recovering the gun. Thomas had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer R. Sykes and Deborah A. Johnston, who prosecuted the case.

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