GREENBELT, Md. — Boie Barry, 32, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. The sentencing was announced on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, by U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, along with officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to court records, in September 2022, law enforcement officers patrolling Hyattsville observed a vehicle parked in a handicap space without the required placard. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers detected the smell of marijuana and observed it in the center console. Barry, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was asked to step out of the vehicle. Officers noticed a bulge in Barry’s front pocket, and despite repeated instructions to keep his hands raised, Barry eventually revealed a firearm in his waistband.
Barry attempted to flee but was apprehended by officers. The firearm, identified as a 9mm ghost gun with no serial number, was equipped with a laser sight and a fully automatic switch, making it a machine gun capable of firing in automatic mode. The firearm was loaded with 32 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, officers recovered multiple controlled substances from Barry’s pocket, including cocaine, methamphetamine, para-fluorofentanyl, and fentanyl. Barry was also found with $1,565.75 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking.
This case was part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through strategic enforcement and community collaboration. The PSN initiative focuses on fostering trust within communities and supporting violence prevention efforts.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the ATF and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work on this case.