Felon with Prior Attempted Carjacking Convictions Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Damian Barnett, a 22-year-old felon from the District, was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm in a residential neighborhood. This conviction follows his previous sentences for two attempted carjackings, marking a continued pattern of criminal behavior. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the sentencing today in U.S. District Court.
Barnett pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon on November 20, 2025. In addition to his prison term, Judge Jia M. Cobb has mandated two years of supervised release following his incarceration. Federal prosecutors had sought a lengthier sentence of 33 months, emphasizing the seriousness of Barnett’s actions, particularly given his prior convictions.
According to court documents, the incident leading to Barnett’s arrest occurred on July 14, 2025, when police officers patrolling the 1100 block of 16th Street, NE, noticed Barnett among a group of individuals. When he spotted the officers, Barnett attempted to flee, discarding a marijuana cigarette. During the pursuit, he was observed retrieving a firearm from his waistband and throwing it into the air. Officers subsequently recovered a Glock 19 pistol, loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition, in an adjacent alley off Levis Street, NE. The firearm had been reported stolen in Prince George’s County, Maryland, in November 2024.
Barnett’s criminal history includes two consecutive 24-month sentences for attempted carjacking, which legally prohibited him from possessing any firearms. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Washington Field Division. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Green and Lauren Ibanez as part of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Initiative, an effort aimed at reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws in the District.
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