A federal grand jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, has indicted Sarah Maud Jess, a 61-year-old resident of Capitol Heights, Maryland. Jess faces charges related to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession, as well as immigration-related offenses. The charges include conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, and reentry of an alien previously removed after an aggravated felony conviction.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore Field Office Special Agent in Charge William DelBagno, Montgomery County Police Department Chief Marc R. Yamada, and Prince George’s County Police Department Chief Malik Aziz.
The indictment details that Jess was involved in a conspiracy to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl between November 2023 and October 2024. She is accused of distributing at least 40 grams of fentanyl on specific occasions in June and September of 2024 and possessing the same amount with intent to distribute on October 2, 2024. Furthermore, Jess allegedly was found illegally in possession of a firearm and ammunition on the same day and had been previously removed from the U.S. after an aggravated felony conviction, allegedly failing to obtain the necessary permission to reapply for admission.
If found guilty, Jess faces significant sentences, including a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years for the drug-related charges, up to 15 years for the firearm charge, and up to 20 years for the immigration reentry violation. It is noted that the sentencing for federal crimes typically results in penalties below the maximum.
As the legal process unfolds, Jess remains presumed innocent until proven guilty, as an indictment alone is not a declaration of guilt. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the contributions of HSI, DEA, FBI, MCPD, and PGCPD in the investigation. The federal case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Nicholas Potter.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, community priorities, and resources, the public is directed to visit the office’s website.