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Baltimore Man Sentenced to Almost 14 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Fentanyl Analogue That Resulted in The Death of a Victim

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December 22, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact MARCIA MURPHY
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4854

BALTIMORE MAN SENTENCED TO ALMOST 14 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTION OF A FENTANYL ANALOGUE THAT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A VICTIM

Defendant Sold Customers Heroin, Crack Cocaine, and the Fentanyl Analogue that Killed the Victim in this Case

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander today sentenced Shannon Dorrell Marshall, a/k/a Cake, age 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 165 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for two counts of distribution of controlled substances, specifically a fentanyl analogue and heroin. A victim died as a result of Marshall’s drug distribution. Fentanyl analogues are chemical compounds designed to have effects similar to fentanyl and can be just as deadly.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Henry Trabert of the Aberdeen Police Department; Chief Charles Moore of the Bel Air Police Department; Chief Teresa Walter of the Havre de Grace Police Department; and Harford County State’s Attorney Albert Peisinger.
According to Marshall’s guilty plea, on May 11, 2017, Harford County Sheriff’s Office detectives went to a home in Abingdon, Maryland, where a victim had been reported dead. An autopsy determined that the victim died of 4-Fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl and carfentanil intoxication. Detectives seized the victim’s phone and recovered messages from the victim arranging to purchase drugs from an individual known as “Cake,” which is Marshall’s alias, and learned that Marshall was the source of the drugs sold to the victim. Further review of the phone revealed that the victim had been purchasing gel caps of heroin from “Cake” since October 2016.
As detailed in the plea agreement, on June 15, 2017, detectives conducted surveillance of Marshall and observed him engage in a hand-to-hand drug transaction. When detectives exited their vehicles to approach Marshall, he fled. Detectives were able to stop the person who had just purchased drugs from Marshall. The drugs were determined to be three gel caps of heroin and crack cocaine. On June 21, 2017, Harford County Task Force detectives executed a search warrant at Marshall’s residence and seized a bag containing 2.8 grams of cocaine. Marshall was arrested and agreed to waive his rights and speak to detectives, subsequently admitting to selling drugs to the overdose victim, as well as to the individual detectives stopped on June 15, 2017.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the other members of Harford County Narcotics Task Force, comprised of members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Aberdeen Police Department, Bel Air Police Department, Havre de Grace Police Department, and the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Romano and Kim Y. Oldham, who prosecuted the case.
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Havre de Grace Man Sentenced in Murder of 15 Year Old Child

DATE: November 17, 2020
RE: Sentencing of Naeshawn Perry

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the sentencing of Naeshawn Perry, 19, of Havre de Grace, Maryland for murder in the first degree.

On August 9, 2017, the victim, 15 year old Maleigha Solonka, was reported missing. One week later, on August 16, 2017, Maleigha’s body was found in a trash can that was located in a wooded area behind a church on Webb Lane in Havre de Grace, Maryland. An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be asphyxiation. Detectives of the Havre de Grace Police Department conducted an extensive investigation including interviewing Mr. Perry and executing multiple search and seizure warrants. Mr. Perry was charged with murdering Maleigha Solonka after a DNA analysis was conducted on multiple items that were recovered during the investigation.

Mr. Perry pled guilty in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak on March 10, 2020. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Dair Pillai.

The sentencing hearing occurred on November 17, 2020 before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak. Numerous friends and family of the victim, Maleigha Solonka, attended the hearing and the Court heard several statements describing Ms. Solonka’s life and the impact this murder had on them and on the community. The Court sentenced Mr. Perry to a life sentence suspend all but 20 years, to be served at the Division of Corrections.

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County sends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family for the unimaginable, tragic loss they have suffered.

Elkton Man Found Guilty For Mass Shooting in Edgewood That Left Three Dead and Two Wounded

DATE: November 2, 2020
RE: Multiple Homicide convictions

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced that a Harford County jury found Radee Prince, 40, from Elkton, Maryland, guilty of three counts of murder in the first degree, two counts of attempted murder in the first degree and related firearm offenses and today also found Mr. Prince was criminally responsible. This case was a bifurcated proceeding in which a jury was tasked first with determining guilt or innocence and then whether the defendant was not criminally responsible byreason of insanity. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. Mr. Prince faces a maximum penalty of five life sentences plus 25 years. The State’s Attorney’s Office filed notifications seeking life without the possibility of parole for each of the victims.

On the morning of October 18, 2017, deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active shooter situation at a granite company in Edgewood, Maryland. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies 53 year-old ayarsaikhan Tudev, 34 year-old Jose Hildago Romero and 48 year-old Enis Mrvoljak who had all succumbed to gunshot wounds to their heads. Deputies also located two other victims, Enoc Sosa and Jose Roberto Flores Gillen, who had similarly suffered gunshot wounds to their heads, but survived. All of the victims were employees of the granite company.

The resulting investigation, which included multiple eyewitnesses and video surveillance, clearly revealed that a co-employee, defendant Radee Prince, executed Mr. Tudey, Mr. Romero and Mr. Mrvoljak and severely wounded Mr. Sosa and Mr. Gillen with a semi-automatic handgun. Mr. Prince then left the scene immediately after the shooting, entering a black SUV and driving away. He was eventually captured in Wilmington, Delaware following a subsequent shooting.

“These acts of senseless violence have scarred this community forever,” said Mr. Peisinger, “My heart goes out to the victims and their families and I hope this verdict will be the first step in closing this tragic chapter.”

Mr. Peisinger further thanked the jurors who deliberated the case. He also praised the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, the Bel Air Police Department, the Maryland State Police, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as all other first responders for their joint efforts in rendering aid at the scene and for the extensive investigation that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Prince. Additionally, he commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Angela Diehl, Timothy Doory and Cyndi Adkins for their incredible advocacy that resulted in this verdict. Mr. Peisinger furthermore thanked the Honorable Yolanda Curtin and all of the Harford County Circuit Court judges, staff and personnel for diligently and patiently conducting the trial in a challenging environment due to the ongoing pandemic.

Bel Air Resident Convicted of Edgewood Murder Sentenced to 20 Years

Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the sentencing of Jaylin Brown, 18, Bel Air, Maryland, for Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony or Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under the Age of 21.

On August 3, 2018, deputies of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Edgewood High School, 2415 Willoughby Beach Road, Edgewood, Maryland.  Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle in a ditch in front of the high school.  Inside the vehicle deputies found victim, 19 year old Thailek Willis, who suffered from a gunshot wound to his left back.  Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Mr. Willis died from his injuries the same day.  After thorough investigation by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Jaylin Brown was charged with the murder of Thailek Willis, and the handgun used by Mr. Brown was recovered by the Sheriff’s Office.

At the conclusion of a six (6) day trial in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Angela M. Eaves, a jury returned a verdict of guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony or Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under the Age of 21 on December 12, 2019.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Mark Meehan and Matthew George.

Today, the Honorable Angela M. Eaves imposed a total sentence of 65 years of incarceration suspend all but 20 years of incarceration to be served at the Division of Corrections.  The defendant will be on five (5) years of supervised probation upon release.

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County sends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family for the tragic loss that they have suffered.

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County would also like to thank the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, emergency response personnel, the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their outstanding work and dedication in conducting the investigation that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Brown.

Edgewood Man Receives 15 Years Incarceration Following Conviction for Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of James Lee Walker, Jr., 27, Edgewood, Maryland, for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Walker was convicted on January 27, 2020 by way of a guilty plea following the Court’s denial of Defendant’s motion to suppress evidence. The case began on January 31, 2018 when a deputy of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office observed Walker entering and then quickly leaving a motel room in the Edgewood area that was already under surveillance for drug activity. As this deputy made contact to investigate this activity further, Walker quickly walked to his vehicle before finally submitting to demands to stop. A subsequent search of Mr. Walker revealed 21 bags containing over 25 grams of cocaine, as well as 75 empty baggies, all concealed in his underwear.

The Honorable Angela M. Eaves imposed a total sentence of 20 years suspend all but 15 years incarceration to be served at the Division of Corrections. The Defendant will be on five (5) years of supervised probation when he is released.

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen who prosecuted this matter and commends the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Division for their hard work and dedication in conducting the investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of Walker.

Havre de Grace Resident Convicted of Murdering 15 year Old Child

Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the conviction of Naeshawn Perry, 19, of Havre de Grace, Maryland for murder in the first degree.

On August 9, 2017, the victim, 15 year old Maleigha Solonka, was reported missing. One week later, on August 16, 2017, Maleigha’s body was found in a trash can that was located in a wooded area behind a church on Webb Lane in Havre de Grace, Maryland. An autopsy was conducted, which revealed the cause of death was asphyxiation. Detectives of the Havre de Grace Police Department conducted an extensive investigation including interviewing Mr. Perry and executing multiple search and seizure warrants. Mr. Perry was charged with murdering Maleigha Solonka after multiple items that were recovered during the investigation underwent DNA analysis.

Mr. Perry pled guilty in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak on March 10, 2020. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Dair Pillai. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. The sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Ishak.

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County sends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family for the tragic loss they have suffered.

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County would like to thank the Havre de Grace Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Police Crime Laboratory, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their outstanding work and dedication in conducting the investigation that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Perry.

Rape Conviction Secured in 2018 Sexual Assault

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Ahmet Terzioglu, 48, from North East, Maryland, for rape in the second degree and assault in the second degree.

Havre de Grace Resident Sentenced to 20 Years Incarceration for Domestic Violence Murder

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced the sentencing of Aubri Pluhar, 25, Bel Air, Maryland, for murder in the second degree.

On July 20, 2017, officers of the Havre de Grace Police Department were dispatched to 804 Lafayette Street in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the victim, 20 year old Andrew Pizanis, had suffered from a severe stab wound to his abdomen area. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Mr. Pizanis died from his injuries the same day. Neighbors had overheard the couple arguing in the very early morning hours. Following an interview with police, Aubri Pluhar was then charged with murdering her boyfriend, Mr. Pizanis.

Ms. Pluhar pled in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak on December 10, 2019. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Dair Pillai.

The sentencing hearing occurred on January 31, 2020 before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak. Numerous friends and family of the victim, Andrew Pizanis, attended the hearing and the Court heard several statements describing the impact this murder had on them and on the community. The Court sentenced Ms. Pluhar to 30 years suspend all but 20 years of incarceration, to be served at the Division of Corrections. The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to Andrew’s family and friends for their unimaginable loss.

Murder Conviction Secured in Shooting Death

Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the conviction of Jaylin Brown, 17, Bel Air, Maryland, for Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony or Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under the Age of 21.

On August 3, 2018, deputies of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Edgewood High School, 2415 Willoughby Beach Road, Edgewood, Maryland. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle in a ditch in front of the high school. Inside the vehicle deputies found victim, 19 year old Thailek Willis, who suffered from a gunshot wound to his left back. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Mr. Willis died from his injuries the same day. After a thorough investigation by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Jaylin Brown was charged with the murder of Thailek Willis, and the handgun used by Mr. Brown was recovered by the Sheriff’s Office.

After a six-day trial in Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Angela M. Eaves, a jury returned a verdict of guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony or Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under the Age of 21 on December 12, 2019. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Mark Meehan and Matthew George. “I am very proud of the case that was presented to prove Mr. Brown’s guilt,” said Mr. Peisinger. “I hope the verdict brings the family of Mr. Willis some measure of peace and closure.”

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. The sentencing is currently scheduled for March 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Eaves. The Office of the State’s Attorney for Harford County would like to thank the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, emergency response personnel, the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their outstanding work and dedication in conducting the investigation that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Brown.

Domestic Violence Abuser Receives Six Years Incarceration for Assault

Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, announced today the conviction of Robert Welborn, 51, Harford County, Maryland, for assault in the second degree.

On August 17, 2019, deputies of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Cavalier Motel for a report of a domestic dispute that involved the suspect choking the victim. After investigation, the defendant was charged with assault in the second degree, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years and/or a $2500 fine.

Welborn was convicted on October 17, 2019 following a court trial and sentenced to six (6) years of incarceration. The presiding judge was the Honorable Kerwin A. Miller, District Court for Harford County. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Cyndi Adkins.

Mr. Peisinger commended the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and their Domestic Violence Unit detectives for their meticulous work on this matter and in all cases that help bring about justice to victims of Domestic Violence.