Baltimore Felon Convicted By Jury of Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

Baltimore, Maryland - A federal jury found Anthony Nichols, 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

During the four-day trial, the United States presented evidence that Nichols dealt drugs in the 500 block of Cumberland Street, Baltimore, Maryland, on May 1, 2023. BPD officers witnessed Nichols engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions via CitiWatch camera. Then BPD deployed officers to the 500 block of Cumberland Street to arrest Nichols, but he fled on his bicycle along West North Avenue.

After a short pursuit, law enforcement arrested and searched Nichols. Then law enforcement recovered a loaded Glock firearm strapped to Nichols' torso, glass vials of cocaine, plastic gel capsules containing a fentanyl and cocaine mixture, and $567 in drug trafficking proceeds. Nichols was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to numerous prior convictions, including for first degree assault, armed robbery, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Nichols is facing up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum term of five years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The drug trafficking count is punishable up to 20 years and the unlawful firearm and ammunition count is punishable up to 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, November 21, at 10 a.m.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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 ATF, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Calvin C. Miner, who are prosecuting the federal case, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Drew Murray for his assistance and legal support.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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