A federal jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, has convicted Thomas Emmanuel Williams, a 52-year-old resident of Laurel, on 12 charges related to drug and firearms trafficking. The conviction follows a four-day trial where evidence showed that Williams sold illegal firearms and drugs to an undercover law enforcement source.
Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, made the announcement alongside Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The trial revealed that in early 2023, Williams conducted illegal sales involving 10 firearms—including machine guns—ammunition, and large quantities of oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl pills. He also sold privately made firearms without serial numbers and "Glock switches," which convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons.
Williams arranged these transactions through FaceTime and phone calls with the undercover source. Meetings took place in parking lots located in Laurel and Hyattsville, Maryland. In exchange for the firearms and drugs, he received thousands of dollars in cash.
Among the weapons sold were a Hi Point 45 ACP Pistol and 9mm Rifle, Taurus 85 Ultra Lite .38 Special Revolver, two AR-style pistols chambered for 5.56mm rounds, a Glock 21 .45 Auto Pistol, a Glock 43 9mm Pistol, as well as three "Glock switches."
Williams is facing at least 30 years in federal prison upon sentencing by U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang on April 17, 2025. The sentence will be determined based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Barron praised the efforts of ATF special agents Christopher Szakolczai and Katherine Rottman who led the investigation. He also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren S. Gardner and Dawn Williams for prosecuting the case.
For further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office or community resources available through their office visit www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.