WASHINGTON — Timothy Clark, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 14 months in prison in connection with the illegal possession of a loaded handgun found in his vehicle when police stopped him near the U.S. Capitol, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Clark, aka “Dontae Clark,” pleaded guilty on March 12, 2026, before Judge Beryl A. Howell to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 14-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered him to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 14-month prison term.
According to court documents, on May 10, 2024, U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) stopped Clark on the 100 block of Constitution Avenue NW after noticing an expired Maryland temporary registration tag on the Nissan Pathfinder he was driving. Clark failed to provide a valid driver’s license or vehicle registration, and a subsequent records check revealed he had no valid driving privileges.
USCP officers arrested Clark and during a search of the Pathfinder, discovered a loaded .22 caliber handgun inside a backpack in the rear cargo area. They found Clark’s ID card nearby.
Clark had two prior felony convictions at the time of his arrest: a 2015 conviction for possession with intent to distribute PCP and a 2022 Maryland conviction for illegal possession of a firearm. He also had an outstanding arrest warrant arising from a probation violation related to the Maryland conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Washington Field Division. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Jared English. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Tortorice provided substantial assistance.
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Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — District of Columbia — U.S. Department of Justice press release.