BALTIMORE, MD — Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that 15 individuals have been indicted for their involvement in two separate drug trafficking organizations operating in Baltimore City. These individuals face a range of charges, including trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, illegal possession of firearms, and related crimes.
“I will not tolerate criminals who overrun neighborhoods and bring illegal drugs and deadly weapons into our communities,” said Attorney General Brown. “These indictments are a testament to the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Together, we are making strides to protect Marylanders and hold those who endanger our neighborhoods accountable.”
The indictments stem from two long-term investigations focused on drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The takedowns are part of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a collaborative effort between the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, local law enforcement, and federal agencies to combat violent crime in Baltimore.
Longwood-North-Dukeland Investigation
The first investigation, dubbed the “Longwood-North-Dukeland” (LND) operation, began in May 2023. Led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, the Baltimore City Police Department’s Group Violence Unit, and the DEA, this investigation targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Northwest Baltimore, primarily around the Longwood and North Dukeland areas.
The investigation used undercover operations, including controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and firearms. In January 2024, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants, including one at the home of Micquan Leonard in Baltimore County, where officers recovered 10 firearms and a quantity of cocaine. The firearms seized included assault rifles, stolen weapons, and a ghost gun. In total, authorities confiscated 14 firearms and over 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl.
Those indicted in the LND operation include:
- Roland King, 38, of Baltimore — Charged with 127 counts, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (CDS), illegal firearm possession, and distribution of fentanyl.
- Micquan Leonard, 44, of Gwynn Oak — Charged with 18 counts, including illegal possession of firearms and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Kedric Green, 27, of Baltimore — Charged with 14 counts, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and firearms violations.
- Eris Smith, 59, of Baltimore — Charged with distributing large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.
- Darrell Halsey, 47, of Baltimore — Charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS and cocaine.
- Davon Gilmore, 41, of Baltimore — Charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS, fentanyl, and heroin.
Morrell Park Investigation
The second investigation, focused on a drug trafficking organization operating out of the Morrell Park area of Baltimore, resulted in the indictment of five individuals. This conspiracy centered around the American Market convenience store, where the organization distributed fentanyl and cocaine. Over the course of several months, law enforcement conducted surveillance and made undercover purchases, ultimately seizing over 2,000 fentanyl pills, 200 grams of cocaine, four firearms, and over $6,000 in drug proceeds.
Those indicted in the Morrell Park operation include:
- Dustin Shrout, 24, of Baltimore — Charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, firearms violations, and related offenses.
- Tensia Smith, 24, of Baltimore — Charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, distribution of narcotics, and illegal possession of firearms.
- James Stewart, 26, of Baltimore County — Charged with conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl.
- Anton Williams Jr., 20, of Baltimore — Charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, illegal possession of a firearm, and drug trafficking.
- Tarik Kelly, 23, of Baltimore — Charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession of firearms, and related charges.
In addition to the Attorney General’s Office, law enforcement agencies involved in the investigations include the Baltimore Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Maryland State Police, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Ongoing Efforts and Accountability
Attorney General Brown also thanked the dedicated law enforcement personnel and prosecutors working on these cases, including those from his Criminal Division and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration to address the city’s drug and firearm violence.
Arrest warrants have been issued for two outstanding defendants, Keon Powell, 32, and Martina Staggers, 52. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal indictment is an accusation of wrongdoing, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
For media inquiries, contact the Attorney General’s Office or Baltimore Police Department’s Public Affairs Office.
