State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that James Stephen Gass, 32, of Marbury, Maryland, was sentenced to 25 years in prison with 13 years of active incarceration for first-degree assault and possession of a firearm with a disqualifying conviction.

“The Defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior criminal convictions yet continued to illegally do so,” said Sterling. “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 occurred on July 2, 2022, at approximately 12:32 a.m. Several bullets were recovered from inside the residence. No persons were injured, while property damage was reported.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Pettersen prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Corporal Christopher DiToto of the Maryland State Police was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Michael J. Stamm presided over the case.