hagerstown, maryland drug bust

34 indicted federally; feds allege drug ring that spanned West Virginia "The operation in this case, I think it's fair to say, dealt with millions of dollars of drugs and proceeds," he said. Kristie Lockhard, a 38-year-old recovering addict volunteering at the event, says when she first started using heroin in 1999, she would drive to Baltimore two or three times a day to buy it. When the University System of Maryland satellite campus at University Plaza was established in the city center in 2005, it was the first time anything like that had moved into town in decades: something big, with money behind it and staying power. All Rights Reserved. Maybe longer. Smith accessed the storage unit on 39 separate occasions and obtained at least 250 grams of narcotics during his visits. In 2019, there were 119 non-fatal and 24 fatal overdoses reported in Allegany County. This epidemic, largely caused by the pharmaceutical industrys complete lack of accountability or care about anyone or anything other than their pockets, has wreaked havoc on my city, Keller said. Simmers, an outgoing, thick-shouldered 53-year-old, joined the military out of high school in the early 1980s with the intention of going into law enforcement. TheCaroline County Drug Task Force is a multi-agencydrug task force, based inRidgely, Maryland; which functions under the direction and control of thedrug task forceadvisoryboard. 2023 Washington County. After being arrested on July 1, police said Oliver assaulted an officer and was found with a controlled dangerous substance. The rear of North and Locust Food Mart. HAGERSTOWN, Md. With the highways and economic factors, its all a perfect storm.. Conspiracy to commit possession with intent to distribute narcotics. Its nearly impossible to find a family, including those among the Hagerstown Police Department and City Council, that has not been affected by the towns still-escalating opioid epidemic. Now its everywhere here, she says. Additionally, in less than one month, Smith and Tyler contacted each other 714 times by cell phone. District of New Jersey (973) 645-2888. A methadone clinic was not a part of that vision. Scrubbing Baltimores Marble Steps Was My Very First Job, How Actress Rachel Hilsons Baltimore Roots Influence Her Work Today, The Mount Vernon Virtuosi is Much More Than a Chamber Orchestra, Deer Park, MD Was Once an Elite VacationlandThanks in Part to its Famous Water, Artist James Evans Uses Photographs and Words to Combat Prejudice in Nature, Baltimore School for the Arts Debuts a Student-Run Newspaper. seventy-five miles west of Baltimore, the sun has yet to rise over South Mountain, but already a line of cars is arriving at the Phoenix Health Center in Hagerstown. And for the past two-and-a-half decades, the city has taken a public health approach to addiction, offering methadone programs, needle exchanges, HIV testing, and inpatient treatment opportunities before the pharmaceutical industry dumped OxyContin and other opioids onto a nave market. But the current economic picture in Hagerstown stands in stark contrast to the days when it earned its Hub City nicknamewhen five major passenger and freight lines merged here in a way that resembled the spokes of a wheel. Hagerstown, Md. While this is small victory for the task force, agents say the communitys drug problem is far from over. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. A mortality rate increase for any first-world demographic group had been virtually unheard of for decades, with the exception of Russian men after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a phenomenon blamed on soaring alcoholism rates. Hagerstown Center Of Alleged Drug Conspiracy, Prosecutors Say Quicker than ordering a pizza.". Thats a lot of drugs, Kerns said Wednesday in a phone interview. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Baltimore Magazine. Call (240) 382-2757 or get your auth barcode quickly online. (DG) - A sex trafficking operation was dismantled in Washington County. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. This place is a blessing. Police said a more than three-year investigation. Earlier this spring, Keller, the city councilwoman who lost her best friend to an overdose, announced that the city would be joining several hundred municipalities, counties, and states in pursuing legal action against the nations largest drugmakers, alleging that they played a key role in launching the opioid epidemic. So far in 2020, the rate of overdoses in the county has increased with 83 non-fatal . We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Through the investigation and the evidence, officers were able to obtain 11 search warrants. On Tuesday afternoon, the following people were brought into custody: Thor Swenson, two counts of distribution of heroin. he one place in Maryland that has had a long struggle with heroin use is Baltimore, of course. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Magnitude 2.0 earthquake reaches Montgomery County, Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Bernard saidMota is accused of using hisbusiness, Top 3 Sources on West Washington Street, to store and sell drugs and launder the proceeds. Since the start of the addiction crisis, which now kills more in the U.S. than car accidents and gun violence combined, emergency rescue calls have tripled in Hagerstown. Heroin Highway: Part 5 - Hagerstown, Md. 'Round the clock emergency' - WJLA Walter Javier Martinez, 17, was last seen in the area of Wellington Court and may have left in a blue vehicle. Woolford is being held at the Dorchester County Detention Center held without bond. Doctor Explains. 2 counts of conspiracy to commit possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 3 counts of using a firearm in drug trafficking, Possession of a controlled dangerous substance not marijuana. College Park mayor, DC COVID Centers to close at the end of March, Mother calls for answers after son killed by police, MTPD: Two teenagers arrested, one had gun, Burglar used Germantown mans toothbrush, razor,, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Prosecutors alleged they conspired to sell 100 grams or more of heroin, 500 grams or more of cocaine and . Christina Boward, two counts of distribution of heroin. basketball state quarterfinal highlights, D.C. high school basketball playoffs highlights (3/3/23), Maryland high school basketball playoffs highlights, Court docs reveal videos fmr. Major Drug and Weapons Bust Announced from February 9th in Hagerstown This has been very beneficial since drug violators frequently move through the tri-state area. Baltimore, Md. Eight planned downtown catalyst projects include an expanded City Farmers Market and the creation of a cultural trail, part of which has already been implemented. As a result of the executed search warrant at Smiths storage unit, law enforcement located 15.4 grams of heroin, 8.9 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, digital scales with suspected heroin residue, numerous small plastic baggies, and a glass jar containing a suspected cutting agent. An official website of the United States government. When you cant find work, cant pay your billswho wants to think about that? While he fled, Grant fell and injured himself, Kerns said. The first three municipality lawsuits against drugmakersall Ohio casesare scheduled to be heard in U.S. District Court in Cleveland early next year. The homes that were searched were in Preston, Hurlock, Federalsburg, Lanham and Crofton. We have a long way to go, but the school has brought life downtown, Hovermale says. Photography by Benjamin C. Tankersley | July 2018. the sun has yet to rise over South Mountain, but already a line of cars is arriving at the Phoenix Health Center in Hagerstown. The arrests were made during an eight-week investigation that was centered in the Queen City Drive and Park Street areas and was launched in response to complaints from citizens, businesses and visitors concerning the solicitation of prostitution. (It also broke a record last year with eight homicides, sending its per capita murder rate past Philadelphia and Chicago.). Torri Deann Richardson, 37, and Roger Dean Saylor III, 30, were. Andre Luther Woolford, 33, of Hurlock, Maryland. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. That investigation led to the Narcotics Task Force obtaining 9 search warrants. Ive been a right-wing Republican all my life, Simmers says. Hagerstown, Maryland Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Fentanyl and Heroin Drug Charges Drug Enforcement Administration Jarod A. People began to say, Oh, if it can happen to that family, it can happen to my family, Sterling says. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged 12 people in a drug bust Wednesday. The NFT is housed within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)at the DEAs Hagerstown Office. The 30-count indictment alleges the operation trafficked large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride from Hagerstown toBerkeley County, West Virginia, between August2020and June of this year, according to a news release from Bernard's office. The indictment also calls for the forfeiture of $400,000 in cash, a .22 caliber pistol, ammunition and six vehicles, all believed to be proceeds of the drug conspiracy. She discusses plans for the rollout of a new awareness program, Washington Goes Purple, a symbolic color adopted by opioid prevention advocates, geared toward steering youth away from substance abuse. I was on the other side, and I get it, and people have every right to make that point.. This pooling of investigative resources benefits each investigative unit with increased manpower, less duplication of effort, and by coordinating the targeting of drug offenders. News Flash Frederick, MD CivicEngage CARROLL COUNTY 30-year-old James Samms was arrested for drug distribution conspiracy. Information entered into this system will be submitted to the Washington County Narcotics Task Force only. The following agencies maintain drop boxes to drop off your not-needed prescription medication. Grant was charged with five counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was not marijuana and two counts of distributing narcotics, according to online court records. Now, how many families do you know that have been affected by addiction? 2023 www.heraldmailmedia.com. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorneys Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. Washington street leading east at the hagerstown public square in 1957. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The school started with 85 students but this year surpassed 300, even though that meant holding classes in hallways and stairwells. Frederick, which seems worlds away rather than a mere 20 minutes, has benefitted from its MARC train station, which has grown the town into a bedroom community of D.C. Its also close enough to Baltimore that people make the I-70 commute. These ongoing efforts build on one of Hagerstowns legacy assets, the lush City Park, utilized year-round, as well as the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts therein, where the new Cultural Trail begins before it winds toward downtown. Brother and Sister Arrested After Police Seize $24 Million During Drug Bust Home to one-fourth of the countys population, Hagerstown accounts for the majority of those seeking treatment, as well as the majority of overdose fatalities, which included 21 city residents in the first four-and-a-half months of this yeara pace that would, if it continues, triple last years total. Kevin Simmers, a retired Hagerstown police officer, lost his 19-year-old daughter to an overdose and is now building a womens recovery center, Brookes House. The huge A&W Johnston clock, first built in 1836 and later refurbished, still stands four stories above the town square in a period brick building. William Miller, one count of distribution of heroin. Six years ago, at an I-81 coalition meeting of stakeholders, Western Maryland state police commander Lt. Mike Fluharty coined the phrase Heroin Highway to describe Hagerstowns I-81/I-70 nexus. 100 West Washington Street Hagerstown, MD 21740. osh Morningstar could be the poster boy for the use of prescription opioids gone awry. George Alfred Butler, 56, of Federalsburg, Maryland. 34 indicted for expansive drug trafficking operation But after 50 years of decline, Elliott and others say downtown is finally showing signs of recovery, even if it is a long road ahead. HAGERSTOWN, Md. Through further investigation, law enforcement determined that Smith supplied narcotics to Tyler and Eddie Ware, Hagerstown, Maryland heroin and fentanyl drug dealers. She mentions the increased training for Narcan, a medication that can prevent fatal overdoses, across the city. Having beautiful open spaces is important, and its important to have a connection to your community, says city engineer Rodney Tissue, who moved to Hagerstown in 1986 and raised his two daughters here. If we were somehow able to turn around the [addiction] numbers today, it would take another 20 years to shake off the damage., police investigating a burglary on West Franklin Street. Multi-Jurisdictional Investigation Dismantles Western MD Drug The task force was assisted by the Washington County Special Response Team and the Hagerstown regional office of the Drug Enforcement Agency, according to an email from Kerns. Local Hagerstown, MD. A block away, two restaurants that would become staplesJone and Don Bowmans Bulls and Bears and E. Jay Zuspan IIIs 28 Southsoon opened. According to a 2016 report from the U.S. surgeon general, only one in 10 people with an addiction problem receives treatment. All rights reserved. The man seemed nervous. A drug bust by Hagerstown (MD) Police Department early this morning resulted in the confiscation of crack cocaine and nearly $4,000 in cash. A block away, the City of Hagerstown opened the artist-run Engine Room Art Space and four artist apartments above it in 2015, which also breathes some life into the city. The - Washington County Sheriff's Office, Maryland | Facebook October of 2011, I woke up one day and thought, this is the day you die or the day you get clean. Christine Jenkins, one count of distribution of heroin. Lewis Chamberlain, two counts of distribution of heroin. Nine arrested in early morning drug bust in Westernport | WCBC Dwayne Unglebower, four counts of possession with intent to distribute spice, three counts of maintaining a common nuisance for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. Life is great now, he says. The NFT is housed within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at the DEA's Hagerstown Office. July 28, 2021 / 2:11 PM The steel tracks of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad started carrying locomotives from Baltimore in the same direction, straight through the heart of Hagerstown, two years after the end of the Civil War. For the past 44 years, since Valley Mall was built on the outskirts of town, shuttering the department stores, retail shops, restaurants, theaters, and five and dimes, there have been hopes of reviving Hagerstowns once-thriving city center. Hagerstown, MD 4 days ago. Can Hagerstown Kick Its Habit? - Baltimore Magazine Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. Inside the bedroom, Heather Strausbaugh sat talking with her client the conversation ranged from nightlife and bars to their families. Its low-income, and I think its hard for people to find and keep employment there, he says. Cameron Tibbs, one counts of distribution of heroin. Gregory Lovern Williams Jr., 39, of Federalsburg, Maryland. Robison. The below persons are wanted or need to be identified by WCNTF at this time for drug violations or involved in a drug investigation. Prosecutors allege that Luna Mota, the owner of Top 3 Sources, was using the West Washington Street store to keep and sell drugs. Just like all shopping centers it's half empty now and easy to find parking. There were a few people dedicated to establishing a Maryland orchestra, a few people trying to revive the Maryland Theatre. Later, outside a Rotary Club meeting, Keller talks more optimistically about the citys current efforts to tackle the crisis. in Hagerstowns North End, according to Lt. Todd Kerns, who served as the task forces director in 2013. Whether these efforts, which remain largely public investmentschools, libraries, parkscan spark enough commercial interest to compete with the Valley Mall, the two Walmart Supercenters, and the Premium Outlets remains to be determined. Still, they are something of a Hail Mary pass for municipalities. 15 Eastern Panhandle residents charged in expansive drug-trafficking Feds seize enough fentanyl to kill ONE MILLION people in Maryland She also cites the new safe needle program implemented by the county health departmentalbeit over the objection of a couple of state delegatesto combat Hepatitis C and HIV infections. Mostly sunny skies with gusty winds. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA and the Washington County Narcotics Task Force for their work in the investigation. Spain is being held at the Caroline County Detention Center without bond. February 21, 2023. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Those charged are: Lenin Erasmo Luna Mota, also known as "Papi," 48, of Hagerstown, Maryland and the Dominican Republic "The drug enterprise run by the defendants involved a sophisticated operation including the use of a purported business to act as a front for drug trafficking and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds," Bernard said in a statement. , Rep. Hoyer on legacy, traditions and Speaker McCarthy, How much more DMV residents will pay for healthcare, Husband of missing DC real estate executive arrested, Virginia H.S. On at least 30 separate occasions between April 8 and May 8, 2019, Smith visited Tyler Wares residence. HAGERSTOWN, Md. Jim Robison, Director for the Washington County Narcotics Task Force. The operation was further supported by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative, the Governors Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, and the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network Initiative. Its true that from the outside, the county seat of some 40,000 people still looks a bit like Mayberry, with its turn-of-the-century architecture, elegant City Park, church spires, tidy sidewalks, and walkable streets. A sitting train and truck behind a lot along West Franklin Street. The rest of the state did not share that history, and Hagerstown and towns like it are dealing with something entirely new. Kerns said Anderson was part of an investigation that occurred prior to the search warrant being executed. Stay up to date with the latest community news written by award-winning editors and local reporters. Had we not gotten this building donated, it never wouldve happened, says Hovermale, whos lived in Hagerstown most of his life and now serves as principal of BISFA. These included the creation of a multi-jurisdictional Maryland State Police Heroin Investigation Unit to focus on mid-to-upper-level heroin and opioid distribution operations. We had 13 infant deaths over the past two years, eight of whom were born substance exposed and later died at home because of neglect or some other cause, Piercy says. Im not in economic development, but you also cant help but wonder, how do you build a workforce and attract new businesseswhich we desperately needwhen this is happening everywhere in your community?. More than 20 Hagerstown residents were indicted for drug trafficking after the Washington County Narcotics Task Force wrapped up a two month long drug investigation into the distribution of heroin, crack cocaine and spice in the area. 12 arrested in Frederick County drug bust | wusa9.com He liked the feeling the Vicodin gave him and began to sometimes take the pills just for that hydrocodone buzz. . HAGERSTOWN, Md. As a result of those search warrants, police recovered over 18 kilograms of cocaine, 2.7 kilograms of heroin/fentanyl, 5.9 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 170 pounds of marijuana and approximately 34 firearms along with money believed to be connected to the drug operation. But today, while Frederick, just 25 miles east down I-70, is regularly named among the best places to live in the U.S., Hagerstown more closely resembles a microcosm of Baltimoreessentially a small town with big-city problems, continually in survival mode. A lot of them are just taking their normal dose and get hit with this new shit cut with fentanyl. The Washington County Narcotics Task Force recovered approximately 188 grams of suspected heroin and 95 grams of suspected methamphetamine Monday from 807 Hamilton Blvd. Three people were taken into custody in Washington County last week on drug charges involving fentanyl and crack cocaine. Anderson was charged with distribution of narcotics and possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was not marijuana, according to online court records. Beckette also was charged with possession of a large amount of heroin (more than 28 grams); possession of a firearm in relationship to a drug-trafficking crime; creating a common nuisance through distributing narcotics; and theft of less than $1,000 in value, according to Kerns and online court records. Kevin Simmers relished locking up drug users, no matter how little crack they had on them. Smith and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Smith will be sentenced to 92 months in federal prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. The charges includeconspiracy to distribute drugs, possession with intent to distribute drugs, and money laundering. Maybe 10-15 percent dont give you any problem and are trying to do the right thing, says Lee Green, an addictions counselor who is also an active member of a 12-step program.

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