WASHINGTON — A D.C. man has pleaded guilty to a federal firearm offense, stemming from a crash earlier this year. When a judge hands down a sentence early next year, he could spend up to 15 years behind bars.
Maurice Devonte Beckham pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded firearm while driving a stolen vehicle on Monday, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
According to plea documents, at approximately 2 a.m. on January 30 officers were on patrol along Raum Street in Northeast when they saw Beckham entering the driver’s side of a Honda CR-V. One of the officers on duty recognized Beckham from prior interaction and knew he had a few outstanding warrants.
An officer approached the Honda and determined the car was stolen. Beckham noticed the officer and accelerated, nearly running the officer over and crashing into the police cruiser and a parked vehicle. Beckham attempted to run away after officers pulled him out of the stolen Honda.
He didn’t get far before he was caught and handcuffed. While officers were placing him under arrest, they noticed a semi-automatic firearm on the floor of the driver’s side. The recovered weapon was a loaded Micro Draco with 20 rounds in a 30-round capacity magazine
Due to a previous conviction, Beckham is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Beckham has been in custody since the January crash. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2024.