Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Major Richardson, age 37, of Salisbury, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more crack cocaine and for being a felon in possession of a gun.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Theresa R. Stoop of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Ava Cooper-Davis of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Wicomico County State’s Attorney Davis Ruark; and Acting Chief Ivan E. Barkley of the Salisbury Police Department.

“Criminals should be on notice that gun crime brings jail time in Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to remove armed criminals from our streets.”

According to Richardson’s plea agreement, on January 23, 2008, a Salisbury Police officer saw Richardson driving a gold Mazda 626 without wearing a seatbelt. The officer knew that Richardson had an outstanding arrest warrant and did not have a license to drive, so he turned his police car around to stop Richardson. Richardson sped away from the officer, driving his car through several residents’ yards to avoid being stopped but eventually crashed into a tree and ran away. The officer searched for Richardson and saw him as Richardson stood up from his hiding place next to the rear steps of a residence on Second Street. As the officer attempted to arrest Richardson, Richardson broke away, running through the yards of the residences on Second Street. Richardson stopped in the front yard of one house and turned to face the officer who was steps behind him. The officer grabbed onto Richardson and saw that he was holding a gun, later identified as a Mauser, model 1910, .25 caliber pistol, loaded with seven rounds. The officer drew his service revolver and Richardson ran again. After several seconds Richardson was surrounded by several Salisbury Police officers. Richardson continued to struggle but was finally handcuffed and arrested. The gun was recovered a short distance away. Richardson was searched and law enforcement recovered two baggies containing 20.8 grams of crack cocaine which Richardson intended to distribute.

Richardson, who has remained in custody since his arrest in 2008, has multiple prior state convictions for battery and illegal possession of firearms.

Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Dwyer, who prosecuted this case.