Convicted Felon from Maryland Sentenced in D.C. for Illegal Possession of ‘Ghost Gun’

WASHINGTON - Markus Octavious Ham, 45, a previously convicted felon residing in Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 30 months in federal prison in connection with his illegal possession of a loaded semiautomatic "ghost gun," announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Ham pleaded guilty on May 21, 2026, before Judge Amir H. Ali to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, while on release status for another felony conviction of 2022 Maryland Accessory After the Fact Murder Second Degree conviction. In addition to the 30-month prison term, Judge Ali ordered Ham to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of 63 months.

According to court documents, on Dec. 11, 2025, about 1:38 a.m., officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were on patrol when they spotted a white Ford Explorer with Virginia plates stopped on the curb facing northbound in the southbound lane.

An officer approached the vehicle from the passenger's side. and saw Ham behind the wheel in a deep state of sleep. Officers then approached the driver's side and noticed a handgun between Ham's legs. Officers called for additional units to assist.

When more officers arrived, they approached the vehicle and saw that Ham was still asleep. An officer reached into the vehicle and retrieved the pistol from between Ham's legs. Once the gun was secured, officers opened the door and put Ham in handcuffs.

The firearm was identified as a semi-automatic Polymer 80 pistol loaded with one round of live ammunition in the chamber and 14 rounds of live ammunition inside the magazine that had a capacity for 15 rounds. Officers searched the Ford Explorer and recovered 11 additional bullets from the center console between the driver and passenger seats.

Ham's previous offenses include a 2002 conviction for aggravated assault, a 2013 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, a 2019 conviction for attempted possession with intent to distribute PCP, a 2020 conviction for illegal firearm possession, and a 2022 Maryland conviction for Accessory After the Fact Murder Second Degree conviction. Because of his status as an adjudicated felon, Ham was prohibited from possessing any firearm.

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with the valuable assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Office.

The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. 

25cr395

Follow us on XLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., InstagramLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., and YouTubeLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.

Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc