NEWS RELEASE
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
Julia C. Dudley Acting United States Attorney Brian McGinn Public Affairs Specialist |
BB&T Building 310 1st Street, S.W., Room 906 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 (540) 857-2974 FAX (540) 857-2179 |
June 6, 2008
UPPER MARLBORO, MARYLAND MAN CONVICTED
OF DRUG AND GUN CHARGES FOLLOWING JURY TRIAL
Acting United States Attorney Julia C. Dudley announced today that Brad Everett Ford, age 29, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was found guilty by a Federal Jury yesterday following a trial in United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg.
“We are extremely grateful that the men and women seated on this jury held Mr. Ford responsible for his crimes,” Acting United States Attorney Julia C. Dudley said today. “Every member of law enforcement who investigated and helped prosecute this case should be proud of themselves.”
Ford was indicted on November 2, 2007 and charged with one count of knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana, and one count of possessing two firearms in furtherance of a drug crime.
According to evidence presented at trial by AUSA Jeb Terrien, Ford was in possession of an EIG .38 caliber revolver and a Daewoo 9mm semi-automatic pistol during his drug trafficking activities.
In addition, AUSA Terrien presented evidence that the 9mm pistol was found underneath the floor mat on the driver’s side of the car, the side where Ford was sitting. According to evidence, not only was the 9mm pistol loaded, but it was also cocked and ready to fire when discovered by police.
During the trial, Ford’s defense argued that the drugs and guns found in the car he was driving belonged to an unidentified passenger. However, AUSA Terrien was able to prove to the jury that beyond a reasonable doubt, both guns and the marijuana belonged to the convicted.
At just after 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2008, the jury returned guilty verdicts on both counts charged against Ford. A sentencing hearing in this matter has yet to be scheduled.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jeb Terrien prosecuted the case for the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Virginia.