New York's Letitia James Under Formal Investigation

'Hostile' mob swarms ICE agents making arrest in blue state — then female with baby blocks federal vehicle Candace Hathaway May 09, 2025 Local police arrest two protesters, including a school committee candidate. A"hostile" mob swarmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Thursday morning in Worcester, Massachusetts, as the federal immigration officers attempted to make an arrest. Worcester Police Department stated that its officers arrived on the scene around 11:13 a.m. after receiving a call that "a federal agent" was "surrounded by a large group of about twenty-five people." 'It appeared that she was going to run in front of the moving vehicle, and officers took her into custody.' The department's statement noted that it also received a call from an individual who claimed that ICE agents were "refusing to show a warrant to the crowd." "Worcester Police officers responded to preserve the peace and prevent anyone from being injured," the department wrote. Sign up for the Blaze newsletter By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time. Local officers described the scene as "chaotic," noting that "several federal agents from various agencies" were attempting to arrest a female. ICE agents placed the female in a vehicle and tried to leave the scene, but the mob thwarted their efforts, according to police. "The crowd was unruly, and several people were putting their hands on federal agents and Worcester officers in an attempt to keep the vehicle and the arrestee from leaving," the local department stated. One protester, described as a "juvenile female," stood in front of ICE's vehicle with "a newborn baby in her arms." "Officers told her that she was endangering the child and that she needed to move. Eventually she complied and gave the newborn to someone else," the police said. "The infant was not injured." The female was ultimately placed under arrest after she "ran after the vehicle and kicked the passenger's side of it." "It appeared that she was going to run in front of the moving vehicle, and officers took her into custody," the department stated. The female was charged with reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. A 38-year-old woman was also arrested amid the neighborhood melee after police accused her of pushing multiple officers as they attempted to detain the juvenile female. She also allegedly "threw an unknown liquid substance" at law enforcement. The woman was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, and interfering with a police officer. The Boston Herald reported that the woman is a school committee candidate. Worcester Police Department Lt. Sean Murtha described the crowd as "hostile," noting that two individuals were arrested "as a result of their behavior." Neighbor to Neighbor and LUCE Immigrant Justice Network, immigration advocacy groups, accused ICE of targeting a "local immigrant family, including a grandmother, mother, and their two children, one 16-year-old daughter and one 1-year-old infant," the Boston Herald reported. They claimed that ICE detained the family's father on Wednesday "without presenting a judicial warrant." ICE agents returned on Thursday to detain the "elderly woman with a warrant," the groups stated. "As the situation escalated, the residents, fearing the abduction of yet another immigrant family, responded to the threat of agents attempting the arrest," the groups said. "Residents formed a circle around the local family, chanting and yelling, furious and horrified about yet another targeted attack on the immigrant community in Worcester, which makes up almost a quarter of the city's population." City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, who was on the scene when the incident unfolded and reportedly attempted to block the arrests by creating a "human circle," descended into frantic hysterics while confronting a Worcester Police officer. "You arrested her and threw her on the ground," Haxhiaj yelled. She reprimanded the officer for arresting the juvenile, suggesting the police should have instead asked one of the residents to "hold her and contain her." Haxhiaj screamed, "This is what we talk about!" "That's a use of force that's unnecessary," she continued. "No, it's not emotional! It's real." She accused the officers of being "disrespectful" and claimed that the arrested suspect was "banged on the floor." "I'm trying to protect my constituents," Haxhiaj declared. Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, a Democrat, stated that he was "disturbed" by the incident. "As someone who prides themselves on leading a welcoming city, I am devastated to hear about the separation of a family, especially with Mother's Day around the corner. The fear of ICE tearing a family apart is the worst nightmare of so many in our city," Petty said. "I have asked the City Manager for a full report of the incident. We were not notified by ICE about the detainment. Simply put, we cannot have this happen in our community." ICE did not respond to a request for comment from Blaze News. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte Montana Governor Invites Freedom In front Of Colorado Gun And Ammo Companies Mark Chesnut - In response to the sweeping gun ban recently signed into law by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, the governor of a neighboring state has released a video inviting Colorado companies in the firearm and ammunition business to “move back to America.” In the video, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte expressed his belief that gunmakers should quickly abandon Colorado and move north to Big Sky Country. “Last week, the Democrat governor of Colorado signed into law one of the most restrictive gun bans ever adopted in the United States,” Gov. Gianforte said in the video. “The law bans the manufacturing and selling of semi-automatic firearms. This is on top of the liberal state’s existing ban on high-capacity magazines. That’s just crazy.” Gianforte stressed in the video that Colorado has turned its back on gun owners and the Second Amendment. But he wants gun manufacturers to know that his state has taken just the opposite approach. “If you needed another sign that Democrat governors are out of touch with reality, well, here it is,” he said. “Colorado is ranked in the top 10 states with the biggest gun industries. So, to all gun manufacturers in Colorado, my question for you is simple. Do you want to move back to America?” Gianforte wrapped up the video appeal by touting his state’s credentials concerning gunmakers and protecting the Second Amendment. “Montana is open for business and home to more than 150 firearms and ammunition manufacturers,” he said. “It’s the highest per capita in the entire country. We are a constitutional carry state that has enacted laws outlawing discrimination against gun and ammunition manufacturers. In Montana, we embrace freedom and the free enterprise system. Come on home to America. Right here in Montana.” In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gov. Gianforte pointed out just how egregious the new Colorado law is. “Our Second Amendment is very clear,” he said. “It says the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. This bill outlaws some of the most popular firearms used for sporting and self-defense. It’s a violation of the Second Amendment.” Along with the video appeal to Colorado gun and ammo companies, Gov. Gianforte also phoned a handful of companies to invite them to come north for a visit. “When this came out—this announcement—I personally cold called six Colorado firearms companies,” he told Fox News Digital. “Five of them, the five I’ve spoken to so far, are all planning visits to Montana. “My message to them was pretty simple. ‘See what’s going on in Colorado? Do you want to move back to America? Because Montana is open for business, and we would welcome you here.’”

SCOTUS Will Not Hear Minnesota Appeal On Carry Age Restriction Darwin Nercesian The United States Supreme Court has refused to hear Minnesota’s appeal of the state’s carry age restrictions on 18 to 20-year-old adults, which were previously determined to violate Constitutional protections. Minnesota enforced the now-defunct age restriction law throughout the appeals process, beginning in 2023 when a district judge sided with challengers, through 2024, when that ruling was upheld by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and right up until Monday, April 21, this year, when the case came to a sudden and decisive halt after being rejected on appeal by the Supreme Court. The previous 8th Circuit decision cited the state’s failure to present evidence of a suitable historical analogue, making it clear that while a government is permitted to disarm individuals who threaten the safety of themselves and others, “Minnesota has failed to show that 18- to 20-year-olds pose such a threat.” While this is a win for the Second Amendment community, the way the law’s unconstitutional application survived both district court and Court of Appeals rulings for several years until the state’s final Supreme Court rejection is somewhat disturbing. Do you think we, as Americans, would be afforded the same opportunity to defy lower and appeals rulings for years as if they didn’t count? Certainly, we would see the inside of a prison cell if we treated rulings with such blatant disregard. Additionally, I’d like to know what compensation, if any, is now owed to constituents who were forced to live under a law for several years after it had already been adjudicated unconstitutional by two courts. I won’t hold my breath.

Oakland Taking Aim At Canik Pistol Billboard Mark Chesnut A picture of a pistol on a billboard in Oakland, California, has caused an overreaction that could only come from the gun-hating handwringers in The Golden State. Earlier this month, Turkish pistol maker Canik began advertising on a billboard alongside Interstate 880 in Oakland. The company hoped to interest motorists in its new Mete MC9, a California-compliant semi-auto handgun that, incidentally, is a lot of gun for the money. While it’s unknown how much interest Canik received from those who saw the ad and wanted to buy a Mete MC9, motorists who were “alarmed” and “shocked” by the ad were plenty willing to let their voices be heard. As Oaklandside.org reported on April 14, some commuters took to Reddit and Nextdoor to proclaim their shock, apparently at even just seeing a picture of a handgun. “I almost crashed my car in surprise seeing this today on the 880,” one person commented. Another wrote, “I’m pretty jaded about this country, but those billboards surprised even me.” Another called the ad “tasteless and disturbing.” Their beef is, apparently, with the fact a handgun is being advertised in a city that has one of the highest homicide rates in the nation. Of course, they’re placing the blame on guns, rather than the criminals responsible for killing others. Naturally, this self-righteous outrage prompted some of California’s remaining patriots, who believe in both the First and Second Amendments, to respond with their takes on the billboard. “Hundreds of kids running around here with illegal guns robbing grannies, yet you are scared of a paper billboard with a picture of a gun on it,” one Nextdoor user wrote. Another commented: “What is so upsetting about this? It’s an advertisement for people who may be interested in LEGALLY picking one up. Majority of criminals in Oakland don’t buy their guns from gun stores so this won’t interest them in the slightest.” In the latest development concerning the billboard, Oakland officials are now saying the billboard might be violating a little-known city law. According to a follow-up report at Oaklandside.org, Jean Walsh, a city public information officer, said in an email that the billboard is subject to a provision in the city’s municipal code that regulates firearms and ammunition sales. According to Walsh, the city’s firearms dealer or ammunition seller permit ordinance requires any entity “engaged in the business” of selling or advertising guns or ammunition to obtain a permit from the chief of the Oakland Police Department. And according to the chief’s office, Canik has not done that. Interestingly, Oakland doesn’t have a single gun store within its city limits. The last one was finally forced out of business in 2000 by the city council, which was constantly raising taxes and fees on gun retailers.

Republican Congressman Wants ATF To Revise 4473 Form Mark Chesnut - April 29, 2025 Concerned that lawful gun purchasers could unintentionally misrepresent themselves, thereby committing a felony, due to the wording on the firearms transaction record form, the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Federal Law Enforcement is calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to make changes to the 4473. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Louisiana, recently wrote a letter to Daniel Driscoll, ATF acting director, asking the agency to clarify a question to ensure individuals who can certify in other legal situations that they are not a convicted felon but have not had their firearm ownership rights formally restored from inadvertently committing perjury. “The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes from legally purchasing a firearm,” Rep. Higgins wrote in the letter. “For this reason, when individuals purchase a firearm, they are required to complete ATF Form 4473, which includes a question about their criminal background. The Gun Control Act of 1968 also includes restorative procedures for individuals whose ‘record and reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety’ and wish to again exercise their Second Amendment rights.” In the letter, Rep. Higgins also wrote: There are numerous examples—such as employment and housing applications—where, over time (often seven to 10 years), people can truthfully answer “no” to questions asking if they have a criminal record. However, these same individuals may unknowingly be committing felonious misrepresentations when answering question 21(d) on ATF Form 4473, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, if they have not had their rights restored by the Attorney General.” To protect American citizens at risk of making this felonious mistake, Rep. Higgins last year introduced The Second Amendment Rights Restoration and Accountability Act. “This legislation proposed directing the ATF to update Form 4473 to more clearly inform readers of: (1) the existence of the exceptions for the receipt of a pardon, the expungement or set aside of a conviction, and the restoration of rights; and (2) the correct information to provide in answering that question when any of those exceptions apply. If legislation is necessary to implement these updates, I stand ready to reintroduce my bill; however, I am hopeful you can expedite these improvements administratively.” Also, at issue is Form 4473’s use of the term “non-binary” in the section where an applicant has to answer what sex he or she is. Rep. Higgins believes this runs afoul of President Trump’s executive order (14168) that directed clear and accurate language and policies be used to define biological sex. “As such, I urge you to promptly update ATF Form 4473 to both comply with Executive Order 14168 and protect individuals against making unintended false statements,” he wrote. In the end, Rep. Higgins asked that the ATF inform the subcommittee whether the ATF has all necessary authority to change Form 4473 to clarify the rights of citizens whose firearm ownership rights have been restored and to describe the process the ATF would follow, including required consultations with other Executive branch entities, to effectuate such changes.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa Federal Measure Would Protect Second Amendment Rights of Renters, Tenants Mark Chesnut - April 29, 2025 A measure introduced in the U.S. Congress on April 17 is designed to secure the Second Amendment rights of Americans who live in rental properties whose landlords receive financial assistance from the federal government. The Preserving Rights of Tenants by Ensuring Compliance to (PROTECT) the Second Amendment Act, HR 2930, was introduced by Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa. In a nutshell, it would ensure that landlords and rental property managers cannot unlawfully restrict tenants’ firearm ownership, which is currently a common problem. “The right of Iowans to keep and bear arms is enshrined in our Constitution and shall not be infringed,” Rep. Feenstra said in a news release announcing the legislation. “These constitutional protections must be strongly defended and certainly do not cease to exist for gun owners living in rental properties.” Rep. Feenstra added that the measure will protect tenants in his home state of Iowa, as well as gun owners throughout the country who rent their residences. “My PROTECT the Second Amendment Act ensures that landlords or rental property managers who receive federal financial assistance at taxpayer expense cannot unlawfully restrict Americans from exercising their constitutional rights,” he said. “As a strong advocate of the Second Amendment, I will always defend the right of Iowans to keep and bear arms and support law-abiding gun owners.” According to Rep. Feenstra, the legislation has three main objectives. These include protecting tenants’ rights to lawfully own a firearm within federally assisted rental housing, allowing the lawful transport of firearms through common areas when entering and exiting the property and preventing property managers and landlords who accept federal assistance from prohibiting or discriminating against tenants’ constitutional right to own a firearm. Although it was just introduced this week, the measure is already garnering support from several gun-rights groups, including the National Rifle Association (NRA). John Commerford, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislation Action (NRA-ILA) applauded Rep. Feenstra for introducing the much-needed legislation. “The right of law-abiding Americans to keep firearms in their homes for self-defense has been a fundamental freedom since our nation’s founding and has been reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court,” Commerford said. “No one should be forced to give up this right, especially when a landlord or property manager is receiving federal tax dollars. The NRA applauds Representative Feenstra for introducing this important legislation that protects the right to keep and bear arms.” The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. Rep. Feenstra proposed the same legislation last year, when Democrats controlled the U.S. Senate.

Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge 125 Defendants With Immigration-Related Offenses During Second Quarter Of 2025 Thursday, May 8, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces today that federal prosecutors have charged 125 defendants with immigration-related offenses during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending March 31, 2025. More than 100 of the defendants were charged by grand jury indictments and the others were charged by criminal complaint. One hundred nineteen of the defendants were charged with illegally reentering the United States. During the same period, 58 cases were resolved by guilty pleas, and 62 defendants were sentenced for illegal reentry or other immigration-related offenses. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally enters the United States or violates our nation’s laws.” These newly charged cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Q2 FY 2025 Highlights U.S. v. Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro In March 2025, Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a removed alien and for possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. According to court documents, Marquez Villatoro was removed from the United States on three previous occasions before reentering unlawfully sometime after 2019. In January 2024, he was found in Hillsborough County in possession of a Glock 17 9mm pistol, an extended magazine, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. U.S. v. Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron In March 2025, Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron, a citizen of Guatemala, who was living in the United States illegally under an assumed name, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic in firearms, firearms trafficking, dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. According to court documents, between 2023 and April 2024, Sune-Giron was a member of a large-scale firearms trafficking operation. He recruited straw purchasers to illegally buy firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s—from licensed federal firearms dealers across Florida. After obtaining the firearms, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, shipping them to countries including the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 1,000 firearms. Several of these firearms were later recovered at crime scenes. In April 2024, ATF and HSI agents in Tampa and Orlando executed three coordinated search warrants at three residences in the Orlando area, including Sune-Giron’s residence. There they recovered approximately 57 firearms, 30 empty gun boxes, approximately $16,000 in cash, ammunition, and money counters. U.S. v. Elmer Edin Chavarria-Morales In March 2025, Elmer Edini Chavarria-Morales, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court records, Chavarria-Morales was convicted of rape in Indiana state court in 2018 and was deported from the United States later that year. Chavarria-Morales reentered the United States and was convicted of illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas in 2021. Chavarria-Morales was removed to Honduras again in November 2022. In April 2024, Chavarria-Morales was again found in the United States after he was arrested by the Daytona Beach Police Department for a domestic violence assault. U.S. v. Yudelkis Portes In February 2025, Yudelkis Portes, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court documents, Portes was convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in February 2013 and deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Following her deportation, Portes illegally reentered the United States and was found in the Middle District of Florida. Updated May 8, 2025

God Bless America Stop Illegal Firearms Illegally Going To Mexico ATF Atlanta host press conference on combatting firearms trafficking to Mexico ATLANTA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Atlanta Field Division hosted a joint press conference with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico. “Firearms trafficking and the illegal activity associated with it continues to threaten the safety of the general public throughout our communities,” said ATF Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to illegally move firearms between the United States and Mexico. Extensive time in a federal prison awaits those who think they can endanger our communities and get away with it.” “Homeland Security Investigations is steadfast in our mission to combat international firearms trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks that threaten public safety on both sides of the border,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “By targeting those who illegally purchase and smuggle weapons into Mexico, we are cutting off a vital lifeline to cartel members and terrorist-designated organizations, while upholding our duty to protect communities at home and abroad. HSI will continue to work relentlessly to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice those fueling this dangerous trade.” In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with federal and local partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico. Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within many local communities. They have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out illicit activities including fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling. Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle. Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. From January 20 to May 1, 2025, ATF agents nationwide initiated 8,501 violent crime cases, arrested 1,912 criminals, seized a total of 10,592 firearms, 655,388 rounds of ammunition, 8,722 firearm parts, and 6,335 assorted explosives. ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico. ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov ###

Felon Convicted for Possessing Machinegun in Connection With Drug Trafficking Thursday, May 8, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maryland Defendant faces 35-year mandatory minimum sentence Baltimore, Maryland – After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Osman Malik Sesay, 32, of Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay was found guilty of a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; maintaining a drug involved premises; and possession of firearms — including a machinegun — in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. The conviction of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 30 years' imprisonment. Sesay faces an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of five years imprisonment for possessing another firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on a previous date. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department; and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). According to the evidence presented at trial, between November 13, 2020, and continuing until at least July 16, 2021, Sesay conspired with others in a drug trafficking operation involving the bulk distribution of marijuana. Sesay used multiple fake identifications — and at least four stolen luxury vehicles and seven firearms, including two equipped with machinegun conversion devices — to facilitate his drug trafficking operation. He also leased apartments under fake names to store his drugs, proceeds, and firearms. Anne Arundel County Police Department and PGPD Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (W.A.V.E.) Auto Theft Unit detectives observed Sesay operating stolen vehicles in March 2021. On April 29, 2021, W.A.V.E. detectives arrested Sesay in Prince George’s County, Maryland, driving a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged. During the arrest, authorities found that Sesay possessed more than $14,000 in U.S. currency and a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license. The fraudulent Maryland driver’s license was associated with a fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland, where Sesay stored his drugs. Sesay also had a Glock 26 firearm in the glove compartment of the stolen vehicle, which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking. The Glock 26 firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached. Then on June 30, 2021, after he was released on a bond pending trial, a PGPD Guardian Helicopter captured surveillance footage of Sesay conducting a drug transaction out of a stolen Corvette in a Washington, D.C. school parking lot. On July 16, 2021, law enforcement executed search warrants on Sesay’s fraudulently rented apartments in Lanham, Maryland, and Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay used the fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland as a stash house for his drugs, and used the fraudulently rented apartment in Gambrills, Maryland to store more drugs, cash, and firearms. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 90 pounds of marijuana. Evidence showed that Sesay transported marijuana across the country on a commercial airplane using fake identification. Law enforcement also recovered more than $40,000 in U.S. Currency and six firearms, five of which were loaded, from the apartment in Gambrills, Maryland. And officers seized the stolen Corvette, a stolen Audi A7 sedan, and a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Velar that Sesay used as part of his drug trafficking operation. Inside the vehicles, law enforcement recovered more marijuana. Additionally, law enforcement discovered a loaded Glock 30 firearm with a machinegun conversion device attached — which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking — inside the stolen Corvette. As a convicted felon, Sesay is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. Sesay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on April 29, 2021; a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life for possessing firearms, including a machinegun, in furtherance of drug trafficking on July 16, 2021; a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of 20 years in prison for maintaining a drug involved premises; and a maximum of 10 years in prison each for two felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charges. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2025, at 12 p.m. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, ATF, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe and Brooke Y. Oki who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. # # #