FREDERICK MAN RECEIVES TOTAL SENTENCE OF 17 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARM, POSSESSION WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE, AND CARRYING FIREARM IN DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 8, 2025
FREDERICK MAN RECEIVES TOTAL SENTENCE OF 17 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS for Illegal Possession of Firearm, Possession with the Intent to Distribute cocaine, AND CarryING Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime
FREDERICK, MD – Yesterday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Julia Minner sentenced 25-year-old Ezra Malik Smith to serve a total of 17 years in the Division of Corrections, minus credit for time served since February 2025, for three felony offenses. The Defendant pled guilty in August 2025 to Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm with a Prior Conviction for a Crime of Violence, Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine), and Wear/Carry Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.
On February 25, 2025, Detective Wright and other members of Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigation Section served a search and seizure warrant for the Defendant Ezra Smith in the apartment building on Motter Avenue where the Defendant was staying. Detectives located the Defendant in the elevator, placed him into custody, and informed the Defendant of the search warrant. Once outside of the elevator, the Defendant attempted to run from detectives. When detectives were able to apprehend and search the Defendant, they found the Defendant had several items in his possession, including a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun, and two loaded, extended-capacity magazines. The Defendant is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2018 conviction for First Degree Burglary, which is a crime of violence as defined by statute.
The Defendant was also found to be carrying over 10 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, and a cellphone. Detective Wright then applied for and was granted a warrant to search the contents of the Defendant’s cellphone. In the download of the cellphone, Detective Wright located numerous conservations in the phone’s message history that were indicative of the Defendant being engaged in the sale of illegal drugs.
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “I would like to commend ASA Tumulty on his zealous prosecution of a defendant who is a true public safety threat. Our community is safer knowing this guy will serve a substantial sentence.”
Upon release from the Division of Corrections, the Defendant will serve 5 years of supervised probation.
Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Tumulty of the Felony Narcotics Unit represented the State of Maryland. The investigation case was led by Detective Justin Wright of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigation Section.
Press Contact:
Jacqueline Rottmann
Court Media Relations Officer
301-600-2972
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
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