GLEN BURNIE, Md. – A federal jury has found Lester Massey Jr., 42, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, guilty of illegally possessing ammunition, a violation of federal law due to his prior felony conviction. The verdict came after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief George Nader of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
ATF-Led Raid Uncovers Ammunition and Gun Parts
According to evidence presented during the trial, the investigation reached a critical turning point on August 11, 2023, when ATF agents, working in collaboration with PGPD officers, executed a court-authorized search warrant at Massey’s residence in Oxon Hill.
During the search, law enforcement officials recovered 243 live rounds of ammunition scattered throughout the apartment. In addition to the ammunition, authorities seized a cache of firearm components, including:
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An AR-style receiver
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A slide, barrel, and recoil spring
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Two magazines
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Assorted tools used for firearm assembly
While no fully assembled firearm was recovered, investigators emphasized that these components, combined with the ammunition, posed a serious threat—especially given Massey’s criminal record, which prohibits him from owning or handling any firearms or ammunition.
Convicted Felon in Violation of Federal Law
Massey had previously been convicted of a state crime punishable by more than two years in prison, rendering him a “prohibited person” under federal law. According to the prosecution, Massey was fully aware that his prior conviction barred him from possessing both firearms and ammunition.
The recovered ammunition had traveled through interstate commerce, which is a critical legal threshold for federal prosecution.
Sentencing Date Set
Lester Massey Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He faces serious penalties under federal law, and sentencing will take into account his previous criminal record, the volume of ammunition found, and the presence of firearm components.
Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)
This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.
Originally launched in 2001, PSN was revamped in 2021 to emphasize:
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Building trust and legitimacy between law enforcement and communities
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Supporting local, community-based violence prevention programs
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Prioritizing focused and strategic law enforcement efforts
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Measuring results to drive continued success
The PSN strategy is designed to target high-risk offenders and stop the illegal circulation of guns and ammunition before they contribute to violent crimes.
Federal Authorities Praise Law Enforcement Cooperation
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the work of both ATF agents and Prince George’s County Police for their coordinated efforts in this case. The successful prosecution was led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Appleby-Rumon, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Nicholas Potter.
For more information about the work being done by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office to protect communities and combat violent crime, visit:
This conviction marks another step forward in the federal government’s commitment to keeping illegal weapons and ammunition off the streets—and holding offenders accountable.
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