A federal jury in Baltimore, Maryland, has convicted Rodney Gaines, a 35-year-old from Westminster, of drug-related offenses and firearms crimes. The jury found Gaines guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distributing cocaine.
This conviction was announced by U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly O. Hayes, alongside Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Carroll County Sheriff James T. DeWees, and Westminster Police Department Chief Thomas Ledwell.
For the duration of the two-and-a-half-week trial, evidence presented by the government included revelations of Gaines's cocaine distribution activities in Westminster, Maryland. These activities were uncovered through wiretaps initiated in state court and subsequently approved in federal court, which captured Gaines's communications and messages.
According to intercepted conversations, Gaines used coded language such as "powder," "8-balls," and "balls" to coordinate cocaine sales. Following these communications, law enforcement seized cocaine from Gaines's customers. The wiretaps also implicated Gaines in selling cocaine with multiple accomplices, who helped distribute the drugs, prepared crack cocaine, and hid the substances in various locations. Towards the investigation's conclusion, authorities seized over $250,000 in suspected drug proceeds involving 280 grams or more of cocaine base.
The trial also confirmed that firearms were involved in the illegal operations associated with Gaines and his co-conspirators. In late January 2022, wiretaps revealed Gaines attempted to purchase a 9mm handgun and a 40-caliber handgun from an accomplice. However, these weapons, along with ammunition, were intercepted by law enforcement before they could reach Gaines.
With these convictions, Gaines faces a potential life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years for the narcotics conspiracy charge. Additional charges carry penalties of up to 20 years each.
It's noted that in federal convictions, sentences are often less than the maximum possible. A federal district court judge will decide the final sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes extended appreciation to the FBI, MDSP, Carroll County Sheriff's Office, and Westminster Police Department for their roles in the investigation. Thanks were also given to Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaRai N. Everett and Michael C. Hanlon for prosecuting the case.
Further details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, including its activities and available community resources, are accessible online.