U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has sentenced Thomas Emmanuel Williams, 52, from Laurel, Maryland, to 17 years in federal prison. This decision follows Williams' conviction on January 17, 2025, on 12 federal charges regarding drug and firearms trafficking.
The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
During the trial, evidence showed that in early 2023 Williams illegally sold 10 firearms, including machine guns, ammunition, and a significant quantity of oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl pills to an undercover police informant. Williams carried out these transactions through FaceTime and phone calls, arranging to meet the informant in Maryland shopping center parking lots in Laurel and Hyattsville.
The firearms sold included a variety of guns such as a Hi Point 45 ACP Pistol and 9mm Rifle, Taurus 85 Ultra Lite .38 Special Revolver, two AR-style 5.56mm pistols, and a Glock 21 .45 Auto Pistol. He also sold three "Glock switches," which are classified as machine guns under federal law due to their ability to convert pistols into fully automatic firearms.
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the ATF, specifically special agents Christopher Szakolczai and Katherine Rottman, for their efforts in the investigation. Appreciation was also extended to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren S. Gardner and Dawn Williams for prosecuting the case.
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