Seventh guilty plea accepted in Northwest Baltimore “LND” drug trafficking case

1

BALTIMORE, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced Tuesday that seven people have pleaded guilty in connection with a major drug trafficking organization operating in northwest Baltimore. The organization, known as “LND” for Longwood-North-Dukeland, was disbanded following an extensive investigation involving local and federal law enforcement.

The joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, the Baltimore Police Department, and the DEA, launched in May 2023, targeted criminal activity in the areas surrounding West North Avenue, North Rosedale Street, and Westwood Avenue. Law enforcement conducted undercover purchases of firearms and narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and executed multiple search warrants in January 2024. A raid on the home of a gun supplier in Baltimore County uncovered 10 firearms, including two stolen guns. an untraceable “ghost gun” and two assault rifles.

Seven defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced to sentences ranging from probation to 20 years in prison. Among them is Roland King, 38, who received the longest sentence ever: 20 years in prison, 10 years without parole, for distribution of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute narcotics and illegal possession of a firearm. Supplier Micquan Leonard, 44, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, including 8 years of active prison, for multiple firearms violations.

“Drugs and guns are poisoning our communities and forcing our neighbors to live in violence and fear,” Attorney General Brown said in a statement. he said. “These investigations have removed illegal firearms and dangerous drugs from our streets, and the sentences send a clear message to dealers that they will be held accountable for their criminal behavior.”

Three cases remain open, including the trial of Keon Powell, 32, scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025. Two other defendants, 59-year-old Eric Steven Smith and 52-year-old Martina Staggers, are currently wanted. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office.