Maryland felon pleads guilty in D.C. to federal firearm charge after traffic stop uncovers loaded Glock, drugs (DOJ)

WASHINGTON - Samuel Fapohunda, 27, a previously convicted felon residing in Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with his illegal possession of a Glock 19 pistol with a 17-round magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Fapohunda pleaded guilty before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Judge McFadden scheduled sentencing for Dec. 3, 2026.

According to court documents, on June 25, 2026, at 6:45 p.m., officers on patrol in the 1800 block of 18th Street SE found a vehicle parked with its engine running and an illegally-tinted window.

An officer approached the car and the driver rolled down his window when officers smelled marijuana. The driver, identified as Fapohunda, admitted he had been smoking. Officers ordered the occupants out of the car. As the passenger stepped out, officers saw a burnt marijuana cigarette in her hand.

A federal law enforcement officer conducted a protective pat-down of Fapohunda and felt a firearm in his waistband. Before officers recovered it, Fapohunda blurted out, "it's under my shorts," repeating the phrase three times. Officers recovered a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun with a 17-round magazine.

A search of the vehicle turned up marijuana, a nearly full bottle of codeine-based cough syrup, drug paraphernalia including a scale and baggies with residue, and $985 in cash.

A criminal history check showed Fapohunda was previously convicted of robbery in Arlington County, Virginia, and sentenced to five years incarceration, with four years suspended, making his possession of the firearm and ammunition illegal under federal law.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Office.

The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Liss.

Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

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