Cocaine Supplier Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking Charges

Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Maryland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 17, 2021

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell sentenced Jack Anderson IV, age 45, of Tucson, Arizona, to 126 months in federal prison after Anderson entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

The guilty plea and sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger, Jr.; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office; and the Harford County Narcotics Task Force comprised of members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen Police Department, Bel Air Police Department, and Havre de Grace Police Department.

According to Anderson’s plea agreement, on May 17, 2019, members of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force conducted an investigation into co-conspirator Che Jaron Durbin, age 43, of Aberdeen, Maryland, after receiving notification that a parcel containing one kilogram of cocaine was shipped by Anderson from Tucson, Arizona to Durbin in Aberdeen, Maryland. Detectives learned from the United States Postal Inspection Service that the parcel was scheduled to be delivered to an Aberdeen, Maryland apartment.

After the parcel was delivered, detectives continued to watch the Aberdeen, Maryland apartment. Soon after, investigators observed a woman, later identified as Jameka Cara Thompson, leaving the apartment and place the parcel in her vehicle.

Shortly after Thompson arrived at her destination, detectives detained her and executed a search warrant on her vehicle. Upon searching the parcel, detectives recovered one kilogram of compressed cocaine.

On January 22, 2020, law enforcement was informed that a parcel had been sent by Durbin to Anderson in Arizona. The parcel was believed to contain cash. Investigators then arranged to have the parcel sent back to Maryland for further investigation. Upon examination of the parcel, investigators discovered $82,300.00 within a box originally labeled as high-end headphones.

As stated in Anderson’s plea agreement, in February 2020, law enforcement began to conduct a wiretap investigation on several narcotics dealers in Harford County, Maryland, including Durbin. As a result of the investigation, Anderson was identified as Durbin’s cocaine supplier.

Further, in May 2020, law enforcement while conducting surveillance observed Durbin and Anderson meet at a Tucson, Arizona hotel room, where they met for a brief period of time. Soon after the meeting, Durbin traveled to the Tucson, Arizona Airport where he was seen meeting with Thompson and driving her back to his hotel room. Thompson ultimately obtained a bulk supply of cocaine from Anderson at the Arizona hotel.

Based on the surveillance by task force detectives of Durbin, Thompson, and Anderson, in Arizona, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant on Thompson’s vehicle after she arrived back in Harford County, Maryland. As a result of the search warrant, officers seized an additional 1.4 kilograms of cocaine.

Anderson agreed that based on his role in the conspiracy he was involved in the distribution of at least five kilograms but less than fifteen kilograms of cocaine.

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, the DEA, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harford County Narcotics Task Force for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant Special U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano, who prosecuted the case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

Full Press Release can be found here:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/cocaine-supplier-pleads-guilty-and-sentenced-over-10-years-federal-prison-cocaine

Elkton Resident Receives 14 Year Prison sentence for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: December 6, 2021

RE: Conviction of Duke Wayne Lambert

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Duke Wayne Lambert, 37, of Elkton, Maryland, for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

On February 3, 2021, detectives with the Harford County Narcotics Task Force responded to the scene of fatal overdose. During the course of the investigation, detectives recovered the victim’s phone and through analysis of the listed phone contacts, text conversations were observed between the decedent and numbers utilized by Lambert and a co-conspirator.

Later that same day, detectives with the Task Force utilized the victim’s phone to contact Lambert. In a series of text messages and using coded drug language, the detectives arranged to purchase a quantity of narcotics. The detectives then rented a room at the Red Roof Inn in Edgewood. The detectives texted the room number and told Lambert both the quantity and type of narcotics they wanted. After hearing a knock on the door to their hotel room, detectives opened the door and confronted Lambert, who was placed under arrest. A search incident to the arrest of Lambert revealed multiple glassine bags containing fentanyl. Lambert had a cell phone on his person which the detectives linked to the decedents phone.

On December 3, 2021, the Honorable Yolanda Curtin imposed a total sentence of 20 years suspend all but 14 years incarceration to be served at the Division of Corrections. The Defendant will be on five years of supervised probation when he is released.

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Christopher J. Romano who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Narcotics Task Force 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 Mr. Lambert. Charges are still pending on Lambert’s co-conspirator.

Holiday Office Hours

Our office will be closing at 1pm on November 24, 2021 and reopening at 8am on Monday November 29, 2021.

Edgewood Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin”

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: November 23, 2021
RE: Conviction of Neal Turner, Jr.

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Neal Turner, Jr., 36, of Edgewood, Maryland, for possession with the intent to distribute heroin.

On January 11, 2021, detectives with the Harford County Narcotics Task Force were called to the scene of a fatal overdose at a hotel room in Aberdeen. Detectives observed suspected heroin in the victim’s room and recovered the victim’s cell phone. The last call placed by the victim was to a telephone number utilized by Neal Turner, Jr.

On January 13, 2021, utilizing the victim’s cell phone, detectives texted Mr. Turner and asked to purchase heroin. Believing he was communicating with the victim, Mr. Turner agreed to sell $360 of heroin and deliver it to a hotel room in Edgewood. Detectives provided a room number and shortly thereafter Mr. Turner knocked on the door. Police announced their presence and Mr. Turner ran, tossing a zip lock bag of heroin as he fled. After a brief pursuit, Mr. Turner was apprehended and placed under arrest.

Detectives discovered that Mr. Turner was staying in the same hotel in Edgewood and searched his room, where they found multiple drug capsules, drug paraphernalia, as well as a heat sealer used to package narcotics. Mr. Turner’s car was also searched, and detectives recovered an additional 44 capsules of heroin.

On November 22, 2021, the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney 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 years of supervised probation when he is released.

“According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in the past year there have been more than 100,000 fatal overdoses nationwide which exceeded the total number car crashes and gun fatalities combined,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger. “Our office is committed to combatting this epidemic by working with our law enforcement partners to identify and remove drug dealers from the streets by seeking significant jail sentences against these traffickers.”

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Chris Romano who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Narcotics Task Force 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 Mr. Turner.

Aberdeen Man Sentenced to 15 years Imprisonment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: November 16, 2021
RE: Conviction of Marlon Albert Jenifer

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Marlon Albert Jenifer, 34, of Aberdeen, Maryland for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of marijuana.

On March 16, 2019, the Harford County Narcotics Task Force was engaged in an active narcotics investigation in the area of Route 40 and Custis Street in Aberdeen when they observed a vehicle pull into the parking lot of a convenience store and the occupants engage in illegal drug transaction. Detectives followed the vehicle and eventually pulled it over for a traffic stop. Upon doing so, the passenger, Marlon Jenifer, jumped from the vehicle and fled from police. After a brief foot pursuit, Mr. Jenifer was captured and searched, whereupon he was found to be in possession of 5.9 grams of cocaine and 78 grams of marijuana.

On November 12, 2021, following a bench trial in front of the Honorable Mickey Norman, Mr. Jenifer was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of marijuana. Upon conclusion of the trial, the Court then immediately sentenced Mr. Jenifer to 15 years incarceration to the Division of Corrections.

“I am proud of the work that my Office, along with our law enforcement partners, has done to fight the narcotics trade that threatens our community,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger. “Our prosecutors will continue to push for significant jail sentences for those who decide to be involved in selling illegal drugs.”

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Cristin Treaster who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Harford County Narcotics Task Force 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 Mr. Jenifer.

Harford County Narcotics Dealer Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Conspiracy to Sell Crack Cocaine

Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 5, 2021

Harford County Narcotics Dealer Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Conspiracy to Sell Crack Cocaine

Defendant Also Must Forfeit his Camaro and More Than $3,000

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Reginald Leon Bolden, age 37, of Harford County, Maryland yesterday to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. As part of his plea agreement, Bolden must also forfeit a Chevrolet Camaro and more than $3,000.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger, Jr.; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; Sheriff Jeff Gahler of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office; and the Harford County Narcotics Task Force comprised of members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen Police Department, Bel Air Police Department, and Havre de Grace Police Department.

According to his guilty plea, as a result of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force investigation Bolden, Tremayne Gerrad Murphy, and Joel William Hammond were identified as members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that was distributing powder and crack cocaine.

Law enforcement observed Bolden and his co-conspirators engaged in drug-related activities, including on February 24, 2020, when investigators surveilled Bolden and Murphy as they traveled to Wilmington, Delaware to meet with a cocaine supplier. After purchasing nine ounces of cocaine from the supplier, Bolden and Murphy returned to Harford County to distribute the cocaine.

Two days later, Murphy was observed traveling to a Wilmington, Delaware casino to return the cocaine to the cocaine source after customers complained about the quality of the cocaine. After meeting with the source, detectives followed Murphy back to Harford County where they saw Murphy conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction.

As stated in his agreement, on March 15, 2020, Bolden was heard discussing the purchase of three ounces of crack cocaine from co-defendant Hammond. Bolden arranged the transaction through an intermediary, who gave money to Hammond in exchange for a small backpack, which investigators believed contained the cocaine.

Once the intermediary notified Bolden that he was home, Bolden arranged for Murphy to pick up the crack cocaine, then texted the intermediary. Investigators subsequently saw the intermediary leave his residence with the small backpack of suspected cocaine and get into a vehicle operated by Murphy. The intermediary quickly exited Murphy’s vehicle without the backpack and Murphy then traveled to Bolden’s residence.

Later, Bolden was seen leaving Hammond’s residence and driving back to Harford County. As Bolden returned to Harford County, members of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant on his vehicle and seized 16 grams of powder cocaine, 41 grams of crack cocaine, and $660 in cash. That same day, a search warrant was executed at Bolden’s residence and law enforcement recovered 12 grams of crack cocaine, $2,785 in cash, numerous items of packaging material, and a digital scale containing cocaine residue.

As a member of the DTO, Bolden agrees that it is reasonably foreseeable that the amount of crack cocaine sold was at least 280 grams but less than 840 grams.

On September 1, 2021, co-defendant Tremayne Murphy, age 40, of Harford County, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. Murphy and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, he will be sentenced to between 60 months and 92 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2021 at 11 a.m.

On October 28. 2021, Judge Bennett sentenced co-defendant Joel Hammond, age 35, of Essex, Maryland, to six years in federal prison for his role in the drug distribution conspiracy.

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA, the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Harford County Narcotics Task Force, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore Woman Convicted of Firearm/Drug Trafficking Charge

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: October 22, 2021
RE: Conviction of Tangier Laquisha Sher Hitchens

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Tangier Laquisha Sher Hitchens, 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, for possession a firearm under sufficient circumstances to constitute a nexus to the drug trafficking crime.

On January 27, 2021, Deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit were conducting surveillance in regard to an ongoing investigation involving Tangier Laquisha Sher Hitchens. During the course of surveillance, Deputies observed Ms. Hitchens driving a dark colored Acura TL. Knowing that there was an active Search and Seizure Warrant for Ms. Hitchens person, a stop of her vehicle was conducted. Ms. Hitchens was detained and a canine scan was conducted of the vehicle which resulted in a positive alert.

The vehicle was searched resulting in the recovery of a satchel located on the front driver’s seat. Located in the satchel was one clear plastic bag containing less than 10 grams of suspected marijuana, one blue glove containing a small amount of cocaine, one clear plastic bag containing a small amount of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, one Rock Island .38 caliber revolver loaded with four rounds, and one box of twenty-eight rounds of .32 caliber ammunition. Further search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of two digital scales and fifty-five small empty pink containers used for packaging controlled dangerous substances for distribution. A search of Tangier Lauquisha Sher Hitchens resulted in the recovery of one clear plastic bag containing forty-eight oxycodone pills and a partial tablet of Alprazolam.

On October 18, 2021, the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin imposed a total sentence of 20 years suspend all but 9 years of incarceration to be served at the Division of Corrections, the first 5 years of which are to be served without the possibility of parole. The Defendant will be on five 5 years of supervised of probation when she is released.

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Jaskulski-Tripp who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit, Harford County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit, specifically, K-9 Pemi and the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division for their detailed investigation which resulted in the arrest and conviction of Tangier Laquisha Sher Hitchens.

Edgewood Man Convicted of Distributing Heroin/Fentanyl Mix

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: October 21, 2021
RE: Conviction of Daquan Brown

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Daquan Brown, 25, of Edgewood, Maryland, for distribution of a heroin-fentanyl mix, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and unlawful possession of a regulated firearm.

On July 8, 2020, Detectives assigned to the Harford County Narcotics Task Force conducted an investigation in regard to a fatal overdose. A number, listed as “Squirt,” was discovered on the victim’s phone and was believed to be a suspected narcotics dealer. A detective working in an undercover capacity, made contact with “Squirt” via text and arranged to purchase $200 of heroin. On July 9, 2020, detectives rented a room at the Red Roof Inn located at 2116 Emmorton Park Road in Edgewood and conducted surveillance.

Once the suspect arrived in a silver vehicle, detectives were able to identify him based upon distinctive clothing mentioned in the text messages. An undercover detective approached “Squirt” where the detective handed him $200. “Squirt” then advised the detective to walk over to his vehicle where he handed him a brown napkin that contained 23 capsules which were later tested and found to be a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Once this transaction took place, members of the Narcotics Task Force attempted to take the suspect into custody and he fled. During the foot pursuit, the suspect threw approximately 4.6 grams of cocaine. Once the suspect was taken into custody, he was positively identified as Daquan Brown. A resulting search of Mr. Brown’s silver vehicle revealed a loaded Star 9mm semi-automatic handgun under the driver seat, $647 in assorted currency and various other illicit narcotics. Further, it was discovered that Daquan Brown is prohibited from possessing a handgun due to a Baltimore County conviction.

On October 19, 2021, the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin imposed a total sentence of 40 years suspend all but 15 years incarceration to be served at the Division of Corrections, the first five (5) years of which are to be served without the possibility of parole. The Defendant will be on five (5) years of supervised probation when he is released.

“This sentence is a warning to all those who decide to sell heroin and fentanyl in our community,” said Harford County State’s Attorney Albert J. Peisinger. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will do everything we can to fight the illegal drug trade, including ensuring that drug dealers will spend a significant portion of their lives in jail.”

Mr. Peisinger thanked Deputy State’s Attorney MiaBeth Marosy who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Narcotics Task Force 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 Mr. Brown.

Abingdon Man Convicted of Felony Narcotics and Firearm Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: October 21, 2021
RE: Conviction of Brandon Winkler

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced the conviction of Brandon Winkler, 20, of Abingdon, Maryland, for possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

On April 9, 2021, a Deputy from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol in Edgewood when he observed multiple traffic violations by a vehicle operated by Brandon Winkler. Upon stopping the vehicle, the Deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car. The deputy, while speaking with Winkler at the driver’s side window, observed two large zip lock bags containing marijuana. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a variety of other illegal narcotics, approximately $1,773.00, a Tazer stun gun and a Bersa Piccola 95 .380 handgun. On that same day, members of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at Winkler’s residence in Abingdon, whereupon detectives found and seized various illegal narcotics including oxycodone, which was packaged for street level distribution. Detectives additionally found more firearms, including a Ruger MK II pistol, the barrel of which was threaded, a silencer that appeared to fit this weapon, ammunition and $2,007.00 hidden under the mattress in the Defendant’s bedroom.

On October 19, 2021, the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin imposed a total sentence of 20 years suspend all but five (5) years which are to be served at the Division of Corrections without the possibility of parole. The Defendant will be on five (5) years of supervised probation when he is released.

Mr. Peisinger thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Chris Romano who prosecuted this matter and commended the Harford County Sheriff’s Office along with the Narcotics Task Force 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 Mr. Winkler.

Edgewood Man Convicted of 1st Degree Murder in Gang Shooting

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: October 4, 2021
RE: Gang Murder Conviction

(Bel Air, Maryland) – Albert J. Peisinger, Jr., State’s Attorney for Harford County, has announced that on October 1, 2021, a Harford County jury found Rahzir Meyers, 20, from Edgewood, Maryland, guilty of murder in the first degree, gang and firearm offenses following a two-week trial before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen. Sentencing was postponed to a future date to be determined.

On July 4, 2019 at 12:19 a.m., Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1942 Eloise Lane in Edgewood, Maryland for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies and EMS learned that Khalil Johnson had been shot in the back and that the bullet exited through his chest. Johnson was transported to University of Maryland, Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore where, despite life saving measures, he succumbed from his injuries.

An investigation, which involved several tips including anonymous witnesses, revealed that Rahzir Meyers was a member of the 400 Bloods gang which was in a feud with a local subset of the Crips gang. Witnesses stated that at the time of the murder, Rahzir Meyers stood on Brookside Drive and fired a handgun in the direction of Eloise Lane and victim Khalil Johnson. Further, video surveillance captured by Harford County Watch Surveillance cameras showed several individuals standing on Brookside Drive with at least one suspect firing a handgun in the direction of Eloise Lane and the victim Khalil Johnson. The video also shows Johnson running from the scene in the direction of 1942 Eloise Lane where he later collapsed. Multiple firearm casings were recovered from the area where the suspects were standing as well as a laser gun attachment. It was later determined that Rahzir Meyers’ DNA was on the gun attachment.

Witnesses also stated that there was a group of people hanging out in the area most of the late afternoon and evening hours of July 3rd through early hours of July 4th. The group included children, adults and others from the neighborhood who were out celebrating when the shooting occurred.

“Rahzir Meyers showed a shocking indifference to human life by carrying out this brutal gang murder in front of his entire community,” said Mr. Peisinger, “It is my hope that this verdict brings a measure of justice to the family of the victim of this callous and senseless act.” “As this case shows, this Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to use all available tools to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs that threaten our communities including using the highly challenging Maryland Gang Statutes to hold violent offenders accountable.”

Mr. Peisinger further thanked the jurors who deliberated the case. He also praised the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, as well as all other first responders for their efforts in rendering aid at the scene and for the extensive investigation that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Meyers. Additionally, he commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Erin Smith and Toi Mason for their incredible advocacy in this highly complex case that resulted in this verdict.