Washington DC felon sentenced for illegally possessing firearm following a joint ATF, HPD investigation

Greenbelt, Maryland - A joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hyattsville Police Department resulted in Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentencing Kevin Darnell Ayers, 44, of Washington D.C. to 66 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

According to court documents, on Dec. 5, 2024, security personnel discovered a loaded handgun in Ayers's bag as he went through security at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County. Law enforcement subsequently learned that Ayers was at the courthouse to attend his own trial for domestic-related charges. The handgun contained approximately six rounds of ammunition.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and HPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle A. Li and Kenneth S. Clark who prosecuted this federal case.

Ayers's previous felony convictions prohibited him from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Additionally, Ayers was on supervised release for an assault conviction, along with pretrial release for his pending state charges, at the time he possessed the handgun.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with ATF Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer and Jarod J. Towers of the Hyattsville Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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 of Justice 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.

# # #

ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.