Glendale Couple Indicted for Illegal Firearms Possession and Drug Trafficking Offense
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 11, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against a couple allegedly involved in drug trafficking and firearms offenses in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The indictment charged Marquis Townsend (age: 39), and Silena Washington (age 29) each of Glendale, WI. The indictment charged the defendants as follows:
| DEFENDENTS | COUNT | CHARGE | PENALTIES |
| Marquis Townsend | One | Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, 21 USC § 841(a)(1) & (b)(1)(c) | Up to 20 years in prison. |
| Two | Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, 18 USC § 924(c) | Mandatory minimum 5 consecutive years in prison, up to life in prison. | |
| Three | Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 18 USC §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) | Up to 10 years in prison. | |
| Silena Washington | One | Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, 21 USC § 841(a)(1) & (b)(1)(c) | Up to 20 years in prison. |
| Two | Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, 18 USC § 924(c) | Mandatory minimum 5 consecutive years in prison, up to life in prison. |
If convicted, Townsend and Washington face the imposition of fines and terms of supervised release in addition to the imprisonment listed above.
According to the indictment, on January 28, 2020, Townsend and Washington possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute the substance. Townsend and Washington also possessed a Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 caliber pistol; a Glock 22. 40 caliber pistol; a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol; and a Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol in furtherance of drug trafficking. Townsend did so despite knowing he could not legally possess firearms.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods’ strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://go.usa.gov/xpBrs
This case was investigated by the Glendale Police Department. Assistant United States Bridget J. Domaszek will prosecute the case.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by U.S. Department of Justice
