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Attorney General Brown Announces Large Seizure of Fentanyl and Indictments of Four People on Firearms and Drug Charges from Panyard Investigation

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Sunday, November 24, 2024

Attorney General Brown Announces Large Seizure of Fentanyl and Indictments of Four People on Firearms and Drug Charges from Panyard Investigation

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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown | Official U.S. House Headshot

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that four people have been charged after a long-term investigation in northern Baltimore City. Charges in the indictments include illegal possession of firearms; illegal sale of firearms; possession of large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines; and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. The investigation was led by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

The four indicted individuals are: · Lee Dotson, 34, of Baltimore: Charged in a 15-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, possession of a large amount/volume dealer of fentanyl, and possession of a large amount/volume dealer of cocaine. Dotson is being held without bail. 

· Joe Gentry, 65, of Baltimore: Charged in an 29-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, possession of a large amount/volume dealer of fentanyl, possession of a large amount/volume dealer of heroin, possession of a large amount/volume dealer of cocaine, possession of a large amount/volume dealer of methamphetamine, illegal possession of a regulated firearm with a disqualifying conviction, and possession of a firearm with a nexus to a drug trafficking crime. Gentry is being held without bail. 

· Charles McNeill, 29, of Baltimore: Charged in a 31-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, possession of a large amount/volume dealer of heroin, possession of a large amount/volume dealer of cocaine, illegal possession of a regulated firearm with a disqualifying conviction, and possession of a firearm with a nexus to a drug trafficking crime. McNeill is being held without bail. 

· Roger Anderson, 35, of Baltimore: Charged in an 80-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, distribution of a large amount/volume dealer of fentanyl, distribution of cocaine, illegal sale of a firearm, illegal possession of a regulated firearm with a disqualifying conviction, and possession of a firearm with a nexus to a drug trafficking crime. Anderson was apprehended on September 12, 2024, and is currently being held without bail. In October 2023, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, BPD, and the DEA began a joint investigation into the members and associates of a drug-trafficking organization in an area known as “The Panyard,” in the rear of the 5100 block of Park Heights Avenue, in Baltimore City, just one block from the Pimlico Race Course. The investigation utilized a variety of methods, including undercover BPD detectives to make controlled purchases of firearms and controlled dangerous substances (CDS). In total, police made approximately 10 undercover purchases of CDS, as well as one undercover purchase of a handgun. Law enforcement also seized large amounts of CDS that was being shipped to the group through parcel carriers. “We won’t allow criminal organizations to profit from the harm they cause in our communities,” said Attorney General Brown. “By removing dangerous weapons and drugs from our streets and holding criminal dealers accountable, we are making real progress in reducing crime and keeping Marylanders safe.” “DEA’s top operational priority is combatting the current fentanyl crisis and the drug-related violence that is devastating the very foundation of our community and family structures,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. As demonstrated in this investigation, illegal drug distribution and violence are undeniably intertwined. It is our responsibility to disrupt and dismantle criminal drug trafficking networks like “The Panyard” that threaten the safety and health of communities. Our strong partnership with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and BPD allows us to hold violent gang members like these accountable for their actions.” 

The investigation culminated in several search warrants completed in July and August of 2024. · A search of Lee Dotson’s residence led to the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone, as well as approximately $36,000 in U.S. currency and some firearm ammunition. · A search of Joe Gentry’s residence yielded 1.8 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.7 kilograms of cocaine, 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, 77 grams of suboxone, as well as a loaded .357 caliber handgun, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun. · A search of Roger Anderson’s residence revealed another 350 grams of cocaine and 102 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement had previously seized an additional handgun from Anderson. · A search of Charles McNeill’s residence revealed 2 kilograms of fentanyl, 821 grams of heroin, 636 grams of cocaine, approximately $99,000 in U.S. currency, and two loaded 9mm handguns.

· Finally, a search of a storage unit owned by Charles McNeill uncovered two additional loaded 9mm handguns and a loaded AR style rifle. In total, the investigation led to the seizure of over 23 kilograms of CDS, including more than six kilograms of fentanyl, nine handguns, and one AR-style rifle. “This investigation highlights the tireless efforts of our dedicated officers in removing drugs and firearms from our neighborhoods,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “I want to express my gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their ongoing collaboration, as well as to our community, as we work together to dismantle these networks and make our city safer.” In making today’s announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked the attorneys in his Criminal Division, specifically Organized Crime Unit Chief Paul Halliday and Assistant Attorneys General Mark Meehan and Salman Ameri who are prosecuting these cases. 

The Attorney General also thanked the brave men and women of the BPD and DEA who investigated and worked on these cases and the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Ivan Bates for his Office’s assistance in this investigation. A criminal indictment is merely an accusation of wrongdoing, and a defendant is presumed innocent until the State proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Original source can be found here.

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