Maryland Felon Admits to Selling Guns and Drugs to an Undercover Officer

Baltimore, Maryland - A Maryland man pled guilty to charges in federal court, today, after he unknowingly agreed to sell drugs and firearms to an undercover law-enforcement officer.

Robert William Garland, 33, of Elk Mills, is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The charges stem from an undercover drugs and firearms investigation.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Alison M. Healey, Harford County State's Attorney; and Sheriff Jeff Gahler, Harford County Sheriff's Office.

According to the guilty plea, in January 2025, an undercover Harford County Drug Task Force detective learned that Garland was looking to sell firearms. The detective then spoke with Garland about purchasing firearms over the phone. During the conversation, Garland agreed to sell the detective three rifles and a crossbow for $3,000.

Then Garland met the detective in a Harford County shopping-center parking lot to conduct the transaction. The detective entered Garland's vehicle and observed the rifles on the rear seat wrapped in clothing. Garland removed the rifles and placed them in the detective's trunk in exchange for $3,000. He also gave the detective two 30-round large capacity magazines, a range finder, and a crossbow. Garland is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions.

Additionally, Garland offered to sell the detective drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and others. The detective arranged to purchase one ounce (28 grams) of methamphetamine for $350. Then on Feb. 5, Garland met the detective at a Harford County Royal Farms. Garland entered the detective's vehicle and placed a bag of methamphetamine in the detective's cupholder. In exchange, the detective gave Garland $350.

Garland faces a maximum of 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson set sentencing for Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2027, at 10 a.m.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district 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 and the Harford County Sheriff's Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting this federal case.

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

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