Maryland man admits to a firearms conspiracy

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dylan Michael Ward, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Ward, 22, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy.” Ward admitted to working with others to purchase and transport firearms illegally across state lines from West Virginia into Maryland. The crimes occurred in March and April of 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Ward faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.