Baltimore Man Sentenced to Over Seven Years for Possessing a “Ghost Gun”

A Baltimore man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing an untraceable firearm and ammunition, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Sequan Branch-Green, 29, received a 90-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat gun violence, particularly in connection with the possession of firearms by individuals prohibited from owning them.

The sentencing comes after officers from the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) encountered Branch-Green on January 10, 2024, in the 1900 block of Aisquith Street, where they were responding to an individual with an outstanding arrest warrant. Upon locating Branch-Green, law enforcement officers discovered a firearm in plain view within his vehicle, situated between the driver’s seat and the center console. This weapon was identified as a Polymer 80 9mm Luger handgun, loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. Polymer 80 firearms are commonly referred to as “ghost guns” because they lack serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace.

In addition to the firearm, officers also recovered over 100 grams of narcotics from the vehicle’s center console, which appeared to be packaged for distribution. Branch-Green’s possession of these items was particularly significant given his status as a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, he is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. His criminal history is extensive, and at the time of this incident, he was already on supervised probation for separate offenses in both Carroll County and Baltimore City, with pending violation-of-probation hearings in both jurisdictions.

The investigation and prosecution of this case are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, and implementing targeted enforcement strategies to enhance public safety.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland highlighted the joint efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) in their investigation of this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins was responsible for prosecuting the federal case.

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

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