Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Man in Possession of Illegal Firearms and Drugs

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Frederick man following an investigation into firearms offenses. The operation, which included the execution of a search warrant, resulted in the seizure of a stolen handgun modified to function as a machine gun, another handgun, ammunition, and a quantity of cannabis. The arrested individual faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

The search warrant was executed on March 5, 2026, at a residence located in the 100 block of W. South Street in Frederick. During the course of the search, law enforcement officials discovered a stolen handgun that had been illegally converted to fire automatically, thereby classifying it as a machine gun. In addition to the modified handgun, deputies recovered a Draco-style handgun, various types of ammunition, and cannabis.

Josiah Dante James-Moore, an 18-year-old resident of Frederick, was taken into custody at the scene. Authorities stated that James-Moore is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. He was subsequently transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

James-Moore has been charged with several offenses, including two counts of regulated firearm illegal possession, two counts of possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a machine gun with aggressive purpose, and possession of a rapid fire trigger activator. He also faces charges for regulated firearm stolen, illegal possession of ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute cannabis, as well as conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cannabis.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with further information pertaining to this investigation to contact Corporal Lucente at 301-600-7144. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the FCSO tip line at 301-600-4131.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

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