LEONARDTOWN, MD—In a significant ruling on March 18, 2024, James Stephen Gass, a 32-year-old resident of Marbury, Maryland, has been sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison, with 13 years of active incarceration. The sentencing, announced by State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, comes after Gass was found guilty of first-degree assault and possessing a firearm despite having a disqualifying conviction.
According to Sterling, Gass’s actions underscore a blatant disregard for public safety, highlighting how his illegal possession of firearms and subsequent actions posed a substantial risk to the community. “The Defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior criminal convictions yet continued to illegally do so,” Sterling stated. She further emphasized the gravity of Gass’s actions, saying, “His dangerous actions could have created large-scale harm to our community due to his total disregard for human life when he brazenly opened fire at an occupied residence and a nearby vehicle.”
The incident, which led to Gass’s sentencing, took place on July 2, 2022, around 12:32 a.m., where he fired several bullets at an occupied residence and a nearby vehicle. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, though the property damage was substantial. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Pettersen, representing the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
The investigation was led by Corporal Christopher DiToto of the Maryland State Police, culminating in a trial presided over by the Honorable Michael J. Stamm.
This case has drawn attention to the ongoing issues surrounding illegal firearm possession and the dangers it poses to community safety. The thorough investigation and prosecution underscore the commitment of local law enforcement and the judicial system to uphold the law and protect citizens from such reckless endangerment.
