Maryland AG announces indictment of 4 for string of suspected gun shops burglaries
MILLERSVILLE, Md. - Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the indictment of four individuals, aged 16 to 20, for their involvement in a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries targeting federally licensed firearm dealers in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Baltimore Counties. The group is accused of stealing at least 81 firearms and 10 firearm replicas in a crime spree that spanned from December 2023 to March 2024.
Maryland AG announces indictment of 4 for string of suspected gun shops burglaries
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the indictment of four individuals, aged 16 to 20, for their involvement in a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries targeting federally licensed firearm dealers in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Baltimore Counties. The group is accused of stealing at least 81 firearms and 10 firearm replicas in a crime spree that spanned from December 2023 to March 2024.
The defendants, whose names have not been disclosed due to their ages, face charges for their roles in three successful burglaries and seven attempted burglaries of Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) stores, commonly known as gun shops. Additionally, one member of the group has been charged with motor vehicle theft.
The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement agencies, revealed that the group meticulously planned and executed their crimes. The burglaries typically occurred late at night, with the suspects using pry bars to break into the stores.
During the successful burglaries, the group stole approximately 81 firearms and 10 firearm replicas. Only six of those firearms have been recovered, all found in the possession of juveniles or individuals prohibited by law from owning them. Investigators also uncovered several instances of the group attempting to sell or trade the stolen firearms on social media platforms. On at least two occasions, the group was robbed of firearms they had stolen from the gun shops. In one incident, a member of the group accidentally discharged a firearm, striking an associate in both feet and requiring hospitalization.
Maryland AG announces indictment of 4 for string of suspected gun shops burglaries
"The reality is these stolen guns made their way into our communities, so it has always been a two-part mission: find those responsible and find the guns," Brown said. in a press release. "We found the people and hear this: break the law and you will be held accountable. Marylanders are tired of crime happening in their communities and they want illegal guns off the streets. While law enforcement works tirelessly to find the remaining stolen guns, my attorneys will head to court and work to ensure the case against these individuals is brought to a successful conclusion."
ATF Special Agent in Charge Toni Crosby of the Baltimore Field Division commented in a press release, "ATF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold those accountable for the burglaries of these Federal Firearms Licensees. This investigation will be ongoing until each and every stolen firearm is recovered."
The defendants include:
- Cy’juan Hemsley, a 19-year-old male from District Heights, charged with 200 counts.
- Mahkiya McQuinn-Woodley, a 20-year-old female from Baltimore, charged with 189 counts.
- An unnamed 17-year-old male from Temple Hills, charged with 199 counts.
- An unnamed 16-year-old male from Upper Marlboro, charged with 205 counts.
All four defendants are currently charged as adults and are being held without bail.
Baltimore County Police Chief Robert O. McCullough highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the arrests. "While these defendants attempted to break into a Federal Firearm Licensee store in Halethorpe and failed, through the collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, investigators successfully linked the crew to a series of gun store burglaries across the region," McCullough said. "Due to those efforts, these defendants no longer pose a threat to our communities. However, the firearms that remain on the street are still a concern."