D.C. Felon Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegal Gun Possession After Fleeing Police

WASHINGTON - Michael Fenwick, 35, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 30 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a loaded firearm discovered after leading police on a foot chase, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

"A repeat offender with a decades-long history of gun violence, Fenwick was once again illegally armed and fleeing from police," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "This sentence underscores that those who persist in carrying illegal firearms and putting the public at risk will face firm and decisive federal action."

Fenwick pleaded guilty on Jan. 14, 2025, before Judge Amir H. Ali to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 30-month prison term, Judge Ali ordered Fenwick to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 51-month prison term.

According to court documents, on June 11, 2025, Prince George's County police responded to reports of retail thefts in District Heights and in Temple Hills, Maryland. Witnesses reported that the suspects fled in a white Toyota RAV4.

Officers located the vehicle, which Fenwick was driving. When police attempted a stop, Fenwick fled the RAV4 on foot. Officers detained Fenwick on the 1300 block of Barnaby Terrace SE, where officers recovered a loaded Beretta APX pistol from his waistband. The pistol had one round in the chamber and 15 additional rounds in its magazine.

Fenwick was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions. In 2021, he was convicted and sentenced to 50 months in prison for robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. In 2019, He was convicted of second-degree assault and fourth-degree burglary and sentenced to 10 years in prison with four years suspended. In 2014, he was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and sentenced to 20 months. Fenwick was convicted of obstructing justice in 2012 and sentenced to 60 months, suspended, and a five-year term of supervised release.

This investigation was conducted by the Prince George's County Police Department, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Office. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole.

This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Initiative. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful exists to support 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.

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