20 AGs back ATF effort to trace ‘ghost guns’

BALTIMORE, MD—An initiative to limit the number of untraceable guns in circulation is getting support from a coalition of 20 attorneys general, including Maryland Anthony G. Brown (PDF). The coalition has filed an amicus brief (PDF) in support of a federal government request for a review of a lower court decision that struck down a regulation concerning “ghost gun” kits. […]

Maryland man sentenced to 5 years in prison for illegally smuggling firearms to Nigeria

BALTIMORE, MD—A Maryland man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for illegally transporting firearms with obliterated serial numbers and smuggling firearms to Nigeria. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett this week sentenced Eric Fru Nji, 42, of Fort Washington, to 63 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy, for transporting firearms […]

Baltimore man, previously convicted for bank fraud, facing federal charges for filing fraudulent applications for COVID-19 CARES Act loans and unemployment benefits

BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore man who was previously convicted on bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges is now facing federal charges for filing fraudulent applications for COVID-19 CARES Act loans and unemployment benefits. A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Ryan Dales, 34, with wire fraud, relating to the submission of fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, a […]

Maryland State Police: Registration of ‘ghost guns’ required as of June 1

PIKESVILLE, MD—Effective June 1, Title 5 of the Public Safety Article requires a personal identification number for all un-serialized firearms and unfinished frames and receivers, commonly referred to as 80% lowers (ghost guns) or build kits. Beginning June 1, 2022, a person who currently possesses non-serialized firearms, including unfinished frames or receivers, will be required to have the non-serialized firearm […]

Governor Hogan calls on Maryland General Assembly to pass emergency legislation to hold violent criminals accountable

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan has again called on the Maryland General Assembly to pass emergency legislation to hold violent criminals accountable, as he took action to allow legislation regarding untraceable firearms to become law without his signature. In the governor’s letter, he writes: “I appreciate the work you have put into Senate Bill 387/House Bill 425 to address issues surrounding […]

Parkvile men facing federal indictment for charges related to illegal trafficking of ‘ghost guns’

BALTIMORE, MD—Four Baltimore County residents are facing federal charges for illegally trafficking guns. A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging four men with conspiracy and with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, including privately-made firearms. Charged in the superseding indictment are: Tyjae Bladen, 21, of Parkville; Brian Brownell, a/k/a “Cole,” 31, of Dundalk; […]