Derek Harvey, a 36-year-old resident of Baltimore, Maryland, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox for the possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. After serving his prison term, Harvey will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The announcement came from Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, in collaboration with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The case originated on January 26, 2024, when a detective from the Baltimore City Police Department observed a gun exchange via Citi Watch Camera (CCTV) on Milton Avenue. Derek Harvey and Robert Jackson were seen walking southbound on North Milton Avenue when Jackson handed a tan handgun to Harvey who placed it in his waistband. Both men were arrested shortly after this observation and were found with the firearm and ammunition. Due to previous felony convictions, they were prohibited from possessing such items.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting preventive community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
U.S. Attorney Hayes expressed gratitude towards the ATF and BPD for their assistance in this investigation and acknowledged Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon for prosecuting the case.
For further details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office's initiatives or resources available to assist the community, visit their official website.