Anthony Eugene Burns, 31, of Maryland, was found guilty by a federal jury for unlawfully possessing a firearm, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The conviction follows an incident on February 25, 2024, when Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a disorderly group at an apartment building in the 2700 block of Wade Road Southeast.
As officers approached the location, they observed Burns turning and running away. During the pursuit, officers saw him make an overhead throwing motion and toss what appeared to be a dark object over a fence into a vacant lot. Burns continued running through an alley between Eaton Road Southeast and Sumner Road Southeast before being found hiding on the 1200 block of Sumner Road Southeast.
Officers later recovered a black Glock 27 pistol with an extended magazine containing 21 rounds and one round in the chamber from the area where Burns was seen discarding the object.
Burns had previously pleaded guilty in 2017 to felony charges related to a violent armed robbery spree. These charges included conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 84 months in prison and remained on probation for those offenses at the time of his arrest for unlawful possession.
U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb has scheduled sentencing for November 24, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Washington Field Division). Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole and Special Assistant United States Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti. Former Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Craft also contributed to the case along with Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Robinson, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Teesha Tobias, Litigation Technology Specialist Charles Bruce, and Litigation Technology Supervisor Leif Hickling.
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