Wilmington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge

WILMINGTON, Del. - A Wilmington, Delaware, man pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm as a prohibited individual. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika accepted the plea.

According to court documents, members of the Wilmington Police Department were on patrol in the vicinity of S. Harrison Street and Maryland Avenue when they saw a car commit traffic violations. Officers stopped the car and identified Ikeem McDole, 32, as one of the passengers in the car. McDole attempted to flee the car and was taken into custody at the scene. During a search of McDole, officers found a loaded Smith & Wesson firearm concealed in his jacket. McDole was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

McDole pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a prohibited person and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer made the announcement.

ATF, with assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Thurstlic-O'Neill is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District CourtLinks 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. for the District of Delaware or on PACERLinks 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. by searching for Case No. 26-cr-004.

###