Alexandria Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Crime

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man pleaded guilty today to the use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Bryan Jamal Matthews, 19, distributed an ounce of marijuana to an undercover police officer in the Kingstowne area of Fairfax County on February 8. Matthews then led officers on a short foot pursuit when they attempted to arrest him. During a search, officers seized a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and other controlled substances from Matthews’ person. After his arrest on state charges, Matthews was released on bond and continued to distribute marijuana and possess firearms. Then, on May 19, federal agents executed a court-authorized search at Matthews’ residence and he again attempted to flee, tossing a loaded semi-automatic pistol into the nearby woods.

Matthews faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on October 20. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Michael F. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-143.