Nine-Time Convicted Pocomoke Felon Exiled to 10 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Benson E. Legg sentenced Skky Townsend, age 29, of Pocomoke, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge Legg enhanced Townsend's sentence upon finding that he is a career offender, based on nine previous convictions, including drug related crimes.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Theresa R. Stoop of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Baltimore Field Division; Worcester County Sheriff Reggie T. Mason, Sr.; and Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby.

“With today’s sentencing, we are demonstrating to our citizens on the eastern shore the result of outstanding partnerships. ATF works in conjunction with our state and local counterparts in putting the most violent offenders in jail for significant periods of time,” says ATF Special Agent in Charge Theresa R. Stoop. “This alliance promotes ATF’s mission to reduce violent crime by keeping these criminals out of our communities for decades, as in the case of Skyy Townsend. It is our expectation that our combined efforts will result in safer communities.”

“Today’s sentencing speaks volumes about how strong partnerships, regional coalitions and unwavering resolve can achieve harsher penalties for local offenders,” said Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby.

According to Townsend’s plea agreement, on December 18, 2008, members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at an apartment on Bonneville Avenue in Pocomoke. As the Sheriff’s Tactical Armed Response Team entered the apartment, Skky Townsend, and co-defendant Omar Williams, jumped out of the second story window. Because two WCSO Deputies were located at the rear of the building, Townsend and Williams were quickly apprehended. During the search of the apartment, Deputies recovered 14.3 grams of crack cocaine, a Colt .45 auto caliber pistol, and an RG Industries .22 LR caliber revolver. Townsend admits that he conspired with Omar Williams, to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute the crack cocaine recovered from the apartment.

Williams pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and was incarcerated for over two years when he was sentenced to time served.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in this investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney John W.Sippel, who prosecuted the case.