Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today has indicted Charles Couser, age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, on the federal charges of carjacking, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to the five-count indictment, on January 31, 2020, Couser carjacked an individual at gunpoint. The next day, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute the drug. Further, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and 14 .40-caliber jacketed flat point cartridges in furtherance of his drug distribution. Finally, the indictment alleges that Couser knew that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.
If convicted, Couser faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for carjacking; a mandatory seven years and a maximum of life in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; a mandatory five years and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Couser is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore in the near future. He is currently detained on related state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Goldsticker, who is prosecuting the case.
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