Group Facing Hundreds Of Charges In MD Gun Shop Burglaries

MARYLAND — Four people are facing hundreds of charges in connection with a string of robberies targeting gun shops across Maryland, prosecutors said Tuesday.

According to Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, the burglaries took place in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Baltimore counties between December and March. During the spree, the group stole approximately 81 guns and 10 firearm replicas.

Only six of those guns were recovered, prosecutors said, and all were found in the hands of juveniles or people not permitted to carry firearms.

"The reality is these stolen guns made their way into our communities, so it has always been a two-part mission: find those responsible and find the guns," Brown said in a statement. "We found the people and hear this: break the law and you will be held accountable."

The following people are facing charges, according to prosecutors:

• Cy’juan Hemsley, a 19-year-old male from District Heights, who is charged with 200 counts.
• Mahkiya McQuinn-Woodley, a 20-year-old female from Baltimore, who is charged with 189 counts.
• An unnamed 17-year-old male from Temple Hills, who is charged with 199 counts.
• An unnamed 16-year-old male from Upper Marlboro, who is charged with 205 counts.

The group was charged for their various roles in the commission of three burglaries and seven attempted burglaries of federal firearm licensee stores, commonly known as gun stores, prosecutors said. Additionally, one member of the group has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle.

Officials said the group would conduct the late-night robberies using a pry bar to attempt to break into gun stores. Investigators also discovered several instances when the group attempted to sell or trade the stolen firearms on social media.

On at least two occasions, prosecutors said the group was robbed of stolen firearms. A member of the group also accidentally fired a gun, striking an associate in both feet.

All are being charged as adults, prosecutors said.