FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885  

August 31, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md                                       

LAUREL MAN CONVICTED OF GUN AND DRUG CHARGES

Faces Life in Prison at Sentencing on December 4th

GREENBELT, Maryland - A federal jury today convicted Anthony Pender, age 37, of Laurel, Maryland on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on December 8, 2005 Pender was arrested in connection with a hand-to-hand drug transaction at the Riverdale Shopping center in Riverdale, Maryland. A search of the car driven by Pender revealed approximately 4.5 grams of crack cocaine. The discovery of the crack cocaine in the car led Prince George’s County detectives on the same day to his residence in Laurel Lakes, where police discovered a loaded Ruger P95 pistol and an additional 48 grams of crack cocaine, as well as paraphernalia and other evidence of drug

distribution.

Pender faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $8 million fine. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for December 4, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. Pender remains in federal custody.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Prince George’s County Police Department. Mr. Rosenstein also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David I. Salem and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Del Wright, who are prosecuting the case.

This page last modified—August 31, 2006