BALTIMORE — 19 Baltimore men have been indicted on federal charges related to an alleged drug distribution conspiracy in Northwest Baltimore near the intersection of Liberty Heights Avenue and Garrison Boulevard.
The following defendants, all from Baltimore, are charged in the indictment:
Brandon Crawford, a/k/a Goat, age 38;
Robert Anderson, a/k/a Rock, age 46;
Daryl Burke, age 23;
Linwood Davis, age 23;
Marcus Hall, a/k/a Pill, age 18;
Lewis Hayward, a/k/a Junebug, age 59;
Antonio Johnson, a/k/a Sosa and Tony, age 26;
Christopher Jones, age 24;
Robert Jones, age 37;
Moses Lewis, a/k/a Moe, age 35;
Ronald McCormick, a/k/a Sleezy, age 36;
Donald McNeill, age 35;
Michael Mercer, age 32;
James Murray, a/k/a Crazy James, age 21;
Jermaine Porter, a/k/a Pistol, age 27;
Ivan Potts, a/k/a Spottie, age 33;
Sean Weston, age 52;
Donte White, age 30; and
Michael Williams, a/k/a Mega, age 28.
Another defendant, also named Michael Williams, age 28, of Baltimore, was arrested today and charged by criminal complaint.
“Armed drug traffickers are on notice that federal, state and local law enforcement are working together to target leaders and key members of violent gangs operating in Baltimore City,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We will not tolerate those who peddle death through drugs and gun violence in our neighborhoods. Gun crime can lead to federal time, where there is no parole—ever. Please put down the gun. You’ll save a life, maybe even your own.”
According to the indictment, beginning no later than 2018, the defendants allegedly operated a drug distribution operation in Northwest Baltimore, distributing heroin, crack and powder cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana in the area.
The indictment further alleges that several of the defendants illegally possessed firearms in relation to drug trafficking. Before the indictment was returned, more than a dozen guns were seized from these defendants during the investigation.
Fifteen of the 20 defendants have been arrested and law enforcement executed search warrants at 14 locations today, seizing electronic devices, guns, drugs, drug paraphernalia, drug packaging materials, and cash.
Law enforcement is still searching for Antonio Johnson, Ivan Potts, Daryl Burke, Robert Anderson, and Christopher Jones.
Potts had a previous conviction vacated after a federal grand jury indicted the three Baltimore officers who arrested him.
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31-year-old Ivan Potts was arrested on gun charges in 2015. The jury sided with Sgt. Wayne Jenkins and Detectives Evodio Hendrix and Maurice Ward. Potts was sentenced to eight years in prison.
The three officers said Potts ditched a gun in a Northwest Baltimore alley while running from police.
Kenkins, Hendrix and Ward were indicted in 2017.
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If convicted, all of the defendants except C. Jones face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the drug conspiracy. C. Jones faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison for the drug conspiracy.
McNeill and Mercer each face a maximum of 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, respectively, and R. Jones faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. For illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person Porter, White, Davis, C. Jones, and Mercer each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; McNeill and Lewis face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison; and R. Jones faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.
Lewis and McNeill each face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison for possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, while Mercer and R. Jones face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison for the same charge.
Finally, Sean Weston faces a maximum of three years in prison for selling drug paraphernalia.
An indictment or criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment or criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
