Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS)– Eric Malik Smith, also known as “Star,” 24, of Hyattsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting false statements related to the purchase of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 1, 2022, Smith traveled with another person to a Barboursville, West Virginia, business where Smith instructed the person to purchase a Glock 27 .40-caliber pistol on Smith’s behalf. Smith admitted that the person falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was the purchaser of the firearm when he knew Smith was the actual buyer of the firearm. Smith further admitted that he took possession of the firearm following the purchase and eventually took it back with him to Maryland.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19. 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Owen Reynolds is prosecuting the case.