Felon Indicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Following Arrest in Northwest

            WASHINGTON – Sherwood Russell, 35, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in an indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, on a federal firearms charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative. 

           The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Russell is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

            According to court documents, on May 4, 2025, members of the MPD’s Third Police District responded to a call for a domestic disturbance on the 2000 block of 11^th Street Northwest. Officers observed Russell grabbing a woman by the arms and yelling at her. Russell attempted to flee in his vehicle as officers attempted to stop him. After a struggle, officers were able to detain Russell and observed an open container of alcohol in the front passenger seat. Upon further search of the vehicle, officers discovered a Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol, containing one round of .40 caliber ammunition in the chamber and 25 additional rounds in the 29 round capacity magazine. The pistol was modified with a “giggle” switch that converted the firearm into a fully automatic weapon.

            Russell is prohibited from possession of a firearm and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2011 conviction for first degree burglary while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.

            This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

            Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss is prosecuting the case.

            An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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