Evergreen Reporter

Dajon Malloy, aged 29, from Washington, D.C., has been indicted on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. This action is part of the "Make D.C. Safe Again" initiative as announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The indictment comes after U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered Malloy's pre-trial detention on April 1. Court documents state that on March 5 officers from the Metropolitan Police Department observed Malloy on M Street, Southwest. He was seen with a crossbody satchel containing a suspicious "L" shaped object, identified as a concealed firearm. Initially, Malloy denied carrying any contraband but later admitted to having marijuana and a scale in his possession, offering up nine bags of suspected marijuana from the satchel.

As officers moved to arrest him, Malloy exhibited evasive behavior, attempting to hide the bag. Further inspection by MPD officers allegedly revealed a handgun magazine protruding from the satchel. The firearm was found containing one round in the chamber along with 14 additional rounds in the magazine. A database check confirmed Malloy lacked a valid firearm license in Washington, D.C.

Investigations showed that Malloy had previous felony convictions, including Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in D.C., as well as Burglary in Maryland, rendering him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department are leading the investigation, with prosecution being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti.

"Make D.C. Safe Again" is a public safety initiative aimed at addressing gun violence and prioritizing federal firearms violations in the District of Columbia. The initiative seeks tougher penalties for offenders and the detention of federal firearms violators.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.