FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885  

October 6, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

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

BALTIMORE FELON IN POSSESSION OF A GUN
SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON

BALTIMORE, Maryland - Panagoitis Skordalos, age 27, of Baltimore was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett found that Skordalos’ was an armed career criminal based on three prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in 1998 and 2000, and for accessory after the fact to murder in 1999.

According to the statement of facts presented at his July 17, 2006 guilty plea, on October 14, 2005, Baltimore police officers stopped a vehicle driven by Skordalos for a traffic violation. When officers approached the vehicle, Skordalos sped off in his vehicle. Officers following the car saw Skordalos throw a shiny object out of the window during the chase, which was later identified as a loaded Bernadelli .25 caliber pistol. Skordalos’ vehicle finally stopped after hitting a police car and a parked car.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baltimore City Police Department for their investigative work in this case. Mr. Rosenstein also praised Assistant United States Attorney Greg Welsh, who is prosecuting the case.

This page last modified—October 6, 2006