Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that all nine defendants facing multiple charges in a long-term investigation into the Wick Squad drug trafficking organization have pleaded guilty.
The investigation was led by the Baltimore Police Department’s Group Violence Unit and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, and was a coordinated effort under the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) and the Baltimore Group Violence Reduction Strategy.
In April 2022, the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit and the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) began a joint investigation into the members and associates of a drug trafficking organization known as “Wick Squad,” which operated in and around the 2500 block of Edmondson Avenue in West Baltimore. The investigation utilized a variety of investigative methods, including the use of undercover BPD detectives to make controlled purchases of narcotics, including fentanyl. The investigation culminated in search warrants and arrests in October 2022. In total, the investigation led to the seizure of 11 firearms and large amounts of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), ammunition, and packaging material. “We've secured nine guilty pleas in this case, sending a strong message to those who commit violence in our neighborhoods: you will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Brown. “No one should have to walk out of their homes and witness open-air drug deals on their street or endure the violence associated with the illegal drug trade. My office is committed to improving public safety. Closing cases like these is a critical step towards that goal, as Marylanders have been clear in their call for an end to pervasive and violent crime in their communities.” “I want to thank the men and woman of the Baltimore Police Department and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their dedication and hard work on this case,” said Commissioner Richard Worley. These guilty pleas by all nine defendants showcase our ongoing commitment to the Group Violence Reduction Strategy and that we are using all the tools available to reduce violent crime, dismantle open-air drug markets and remove illegally possessed firearms from our streets.
Together, we are all working towards a safer Baltimore for all.” On August 10, 2023, Dernell Faulkner, 34, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Timothy J. Doory of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to two counts of distribution of fentanyl. Faulkner was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspending all but five years. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on two years of supervised probation. On June 26, 2023, Jermal Thompson, 33, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Ronald A. Silkworth of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to loaded handgun in vehicle and possession of cocaine. On November 13, 2023, Judge Silkworth sentenced Thompson to four years of confinement. On May 10, 2023, Jermaud Harris, 35, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Dana M. Middleton of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to possession of a firearm with nexus to a drug trafficking crime and distribution of fentanyl. Harris was sentenced to 15 years of incarceration, suspending all but five years, to be served without the possibility of parole. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on three years of supervised probation. On May 8, 2023, Tevin Holmes, 31, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Melissa K. Copeland of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to illegal possession of a regulated firearm and distribution of cocaine. Holmes was sentenced to 15 years of incarceration, suspending all but four years. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on three years of supervised probation. On May 5, 2023, Devon McKoy, 31, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Melissa M. Phinn of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. McKoy was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspending all but six months. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on two years of supervised probation. On May 1, 2023, Justin Gregory, 31, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Robert K. Taylor, Jr., of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances. On August 3, 2023, Gregory was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspending all but two years. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on two years of supervised probation.
The following three individuals entered guilty pleas last year:
On December 6, 2022, Arthur Beard, 30, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Kendra Y. Ausby of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to loaded handgun on person and possession of CDS. Beard was sentenced to four years of incarceration, suspending all but three years. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on two years of supervised probation.
On December 6, 2022, Jerome Lewis, 35, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Melissa M. Phinn of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to illegal possession of a regulated firearm with a disqualifying conviction and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Lewis was sentenced to 12 years of incarceration, suspending all but five years to be served without parole. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on three years of supervised probation. On December 8, 2022, James Jones, 30, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Melissa M. Phinn of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to loaded handgun on person and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jones was sentenced to 20 years of incarceration, suspending all but three years. Upon his release from incarceration, he will be on three years of supervised probation. In making today’s announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked Criminal Division Chief Katie Dorian, Organized Crime Unit Chief Paul Halliday, and the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department. Attorney General Brown also thanked Deputy Criminal Division Chief Jared I. Albert and Assistant Attorney General Shannon N. Price, who prosecuted these cases. Finally, Attorney General Brown thanked Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates for his assistance in this investigation and prosecution.
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