Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Narcotics and Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Baltimore man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

According to court documents, in December 2022, Rodney Burgess, 29, unlawfully purchased a firearm, extended magazine, and 9mm ammunition from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Woodbridge through a straw purchaser. On March 2, 2023, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) arrested Burgess pursuant to a federal warrant. During a search incident to his arrest, investigators recovered from Burgess’s person at least 40 grams of cocaine base, a Schedule II substance; pills containing Fentanyl; and $1,453 in cash. Investigators also recovered a loaded 9mm handgun with extended magazine, a scale, two cell phones, and empty drug packaging material in his hotel room.

Burgess was ordered to forfeit the firearm and all accompanying magazines and ammunition that were seized at the time of his arrest.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Toni M. Crosby, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Baltimore Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.

Baltimore City Police Department provided significant assistance in this case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen McCarthy and Brittney Dimond, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Walutes, Jr. prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-93.