A Washington, D.C. man with a prior felony conviction has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded firearm, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced this week. Tyrell Anthony West, 30, pleaded guilty on February 13, 2025, to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
In addition to his prison term, West will be subject to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun violence and illegal weapons possession in the District of Columbia, especially among individuals with previous criminal records.
Arrest and Discovery of Stolen Vehicle and Firearm
The case against West stems from an incident on February 26, 2024, when members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Robbery Suppression Unit, patrolling in unmarked vehicles, observed West exiting a silver Mercedes-Benz C300 in the 2900 block of Knox Place SE. The officers were initially drawn to the car due to its suspicious appearance and West’s abrupt movements.
Upon checking the vehicle’s records, officers discovered that the car was not listed in the registration database, and its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was deliberately obscured. While questioning West, officers observed a black Glock 30 semi-automatic pistol in the center console of the vehicle, visible as West moved during the conversation. Around the same time, officers were informed that the vehicle had been reported stolen.
Loaded Firearm and Drug Evidence
The .45 caliber Glock 30, which was found loaded and ready to fire, was seized by officers on the scene. Later DNA analysis linked West to the firearm, strengthening the case against him.
However, the discoveries did not end there. Officers also located illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Specifically, police recovered:
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Three plastic bags containing a white rock-like substance later identified as N, N-dimethylpentalone, also known by the street name “boot.” The total weight was 82.79 grams.
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A digital scale with visible white residue.
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28 suspected suboxone strips, located in the vehicle’s trunk.
The combination of the stolen vehicle, loaded weapon, and drug paraphernalia painted a clear picture of criminal activity, leading to West’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Criminal History and Legal Ramifications
West was previously convicted of carrying a pistol without a license, which legally prohibited him from possessing firearms under both District and federal law. His status as a convicted felon elevated the charge to a federal offense under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 922(g)(1), which criminalizes possession of firearms by individuals with certain prior convictions.
His guilty plea in February expedited the legal process and led to his sentencing in May 2025.
Multi-Agency Investigation and Prosecution
This case was the result of a coordinated investigation by several local and federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Justice credited the successful prosecution to efforts from:
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The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Washington Field Office
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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) – Washington Division
ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen, and MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith joined U.S. Attorney Pirro in announcing the sentence.
Prosecution of the case was led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti, with support from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Omeed Ali Assefi and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Svetoslavov.
Federal Commitment to Reducing Gun Crime
In her statement, U.S. Attorney Pirro reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal firearms possession and ensuring that individuals with prior convictions do not reenter communities armed and dangerous.
“This sentence reinforces the message that illegal possession of firearms—especially by those previously convicted of serious offenses—will not be tolerated,” Pirro stated. “Removing guns from the hands of those prohibited from carrying them is a critical part of protecting public safety in our neighborhoods.”
Broader Implications
West’s case highlights several challenges that law enforcement continues to face in Washington, D.C., including the proliferation of stolen vehicles, the interconnection of gun and drug offenses, and the ongoing battle against illegal firearms among repeat offenders.
It also underscores the importance of multi-agency cooperation, with local and federal law enforcement working in tandem to build airtight cases and secure convictions.
With West now serving his sentence and under strict supervision upon release, officials hope the case sends a clear warning to others: illegal gun possession—especially by convicted felons—will result in swift and serious consequences.
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