Baltimore Felon Sentenced to Three Years for Illegal Firearm Possession

A Baltimore man has been sentenced to federal prison for illegal firearm and ammunition possession. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Reginald Dargan, 34, received a three-year sentence followed by three years of supervised release. The conviction stems from Dargan’s possession of a loaded handgun and ammunition while being a convicted felon, and for violating the terms of his existing federal supervised release.

The incident leading to Dargan’s sentencing occurred on November 8, 2024, when Baltimore Police Department officers responded to a call concerning an aggravated assault at an East Baltimore residence. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the alleged victim, who reported being assaulted by Dargan and stated that he possessed a handgun. During the officers’ interaction with the victim, Dargan sent her a text message requesting entry through the back door of the residence. Officers then proceeded to the rear of the house, where they apprehended Dargan. During his arrest, law enforcement discovered a Polymer 80 .40 caliber pistol, often referred to as a “ghost gun” due to the absence of a serial number, along with a high-capacity magazine containing 13 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, concealed in his waistband.

Dargan’s prior felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms, include conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, conspiracy to brandish, use, and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and interference with commerce by robbery. At the time of his arrest for illegal firearm possession, Dargan was already on federal supervised release stemming from these previous offenses. His arrest for possessing the handgun and ammunition marked a violation of the conditions set forth in that supervised release.

This case is being highlighted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Safe Home. These initiatives aim to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies at all levels and the communities they serve. The Department of Justice has emphasized a strategy to strengthen PSN, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that work to prevent violence, establishing targeted enforcement priorities, and measuring the effectiveness of these efforts. Project Safe Home, specifically, is an initiative under the Violence Against Women Act that seeks to decrease domestic violence and prevent its escalation to lethal outcomes by targeting offenders with a history of domestic violence who use or possess handguns.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Baltimore Police Department for their contributions to the investigation. The prosecution of this case was handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin.

For individuals who have prior felony convictions, it is crucial to understand that possessing any firearm or ammunition is a federal offense carrying severe penalties. Those currently on supervised release should be particularly aware of the stringent conditions that apply to their status, including prohibitions on possessing weapons. Violations can lead to additional prison time and extended supervision. Residents seeking information about federal laws, available resources, or the priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland can visit justice.gov/usao-md.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland

---