16 Members Of Suspected Drug Trafficking Organization Indicted
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Sixteen members of a suspected drug trafficking organization were indicted for a number of crimes, including murder, conspiracy to kidnap and drug crimes, officials announced Tuesday afternoon.
The indictment laid out 116 charges against the 15 men and one woman, who the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office said were running a drug trafficking organization in the 1800 block of Edmonson Avenue.
"These are long-term investigations," Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said. "So we are looking for short-term solutions, but a lot of this is going to take some time, and that's what we've done in this case."
Officials said the Drug Enforcement Administration was first tipped off about the drug activity in 2018. The fatal shooting of Jasper Thomas on Edmonson Avenue on February 1 led to a long-term investigation into the area's violence and drug trafficking.
Those indicted include:
- Jermol McCoy
- Deontae Simms
- James Miller, III
- Vernon White
- Dominic England
- Justin Prestia
- Calvin Sanders
- Dan Burley
- Jason Mayo
- Donnelle Briscoe Dortch
- Derrick Jones
- Der'rel Jones
- Aaron Jenkins
- Wayne England
- Tyrone Thomas
- Nicole Washington
Sanders is charged with killing Thomas.
As officials from the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, Baltimore Police Department and other agencies announced the indictments, a family member of Thomas' sobbed in the front row.
"For my family, it's a start to help us heal, Darlene Julius, Thomas' mother, said.
During their investigation, police reportedly seized more than 100 grams of suspected fentanyl, more than 68 grams of cocaine and three firearms.
Baltimore's crime and drug trafficking problems are linked, according to recent data. 2018 had 298 homicides around this time last year compared to 327 for the same time period this year.
Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said take downs like these are a step in the right direction.
"This level of collaboration is exactly what the people of Baltimore are asking for, and it's exactly what we have committed to do," he said. "This is the way we make Baltimore safer."
