Steven Lee, a 38-year-old resident of Baltimore, Maryland, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for his involvement in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The case details reveal that on April 17, 2024, Lee and his associate Cedrick Brinkley planned to sell firearms to an undercover ATF agent. The agent had stated that the weapons were intended for resale in New Jersey. On the same day, law enforcement witnessed Brinkley and Lee at their meeting location with the undercover agent. Brinkley conducted the transaction by exchanging five pistols for $6,100.
A subsequent deal was arranged on April 24, 2024. Before this meeting took place, law enforcement saw Brinkley collecting a black bag from Lee's vehicle before proceeding to meet with the undercover agent without Lee present physically. During this encounter, Brinkley handed over five firearms from the bag to the agent after discussing prices with Lee via speakerphone. Among these weapons was one fitted with a machinegun conversion device.
In totality, ten firearms were sold to the undercover agent by Brinkley and Lee; three of these were reported stolen previously.
On July 2, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at Lee's residence in Baltimore where they found a loaded Taurus PT709 pistol along with additional ammunition despite his prior felony conviction prohibiting firearm possession.
Lee could face up to 15 years imprisonment upon sentencing scheduled for August 19 at 10 a.m., while Brinkley's trial date remains undecided.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26th based on fostering community trust and legitimacy among other core principles.
U.S Attorney Hayes commended ATF’s investigative efforts while acknowledging Assistant U.S Attorney James O’Donohue who will prosecute this case.
Further information about resources available through Maryland U.S Attorney’s Office can be accessed online at www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.