District of Columbia Man Sentenced to 105 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
WASHINGTON — Jermaine Dukes, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 105 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and unlawful possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing a detectable amount of marijuana.
According to court documents, on Aug. 4, 2022, two Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) Officers observed a man, later identified as Dukes, approach a vehicle parked in a parking lot in the 1400 block of Saratoga Ave. N.E. The officers watched as Dukes approached the vehicle, opened the trunk, and removed a large black bag. Dukes then reached into the black bag and pulled out a large plastic bag of marijuana. Dukes began separating the marijuana into smaller bags consistent with distribution and then watched as he weighed each small bag on a scale.
Court records say that MDP officers responded to the location for additional investigation. Officers then searched the vehicle and obtained over a pound of marijuana, two loaded firearms, and U.S. currency. Dukes was then arrested and transported in an enforcement vehicle for processing. An investigation into the matter determined that Dukes had possessed the two loaded firearms.
Dukes is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to two previous felony convictions in the District of Columbia of felon in possession and possession with intent to distribute while armed.
Dukes pleaded guilty on April 6, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and unlawful possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing a detectable amount of marijuana.
Dukes was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden. Following completion of his prison term, he will be placed on 36 months of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Ashley Pattison and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Joy Jackson.
