26 Nov 8 charged in drug-smuggling conspiracy begin trial

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drug Charges on Wednesday, November 26, 2014.

Maryland prosecutors stated that the trial for eight people accused of being involved in a drug-smuggling operation was set to begin on Nov. 19. Allegedly, these eight individuals were among a group of 44 people suspected to have been involved in the operation that facilitated the smuggling of drugs and contraband into correctional facilities in Maryland.

Law enforcement officials charged all 44 of those people in connection with the alleged operation, some of whom are inmates, correctional officers and suspected associates of the Black Guerrilla Family gang. Thirty-four individuals, 21 of whom were correctional officers, had already entered guilty pleas to charges that included racketeering and drug offenses. The eight individuals to stand trial, including two inmates, five correctional officers and a jail worker, are also facing racketeering and drug charges, reportedly.

A criminal defense attorney for one of the accused correctional officers stated that the prosecution’s evidence was specious. Purportedly, a significant portion of the incriminating evidence derives from the questioning of inmates who were involved.

Being convicted of racketeering and drug offenses can have a lasting impact on individuals, burdening them with a permanent criminal record besides incarceration and extensive fines. If the evidence brought against an accused individual is weak, corrupted or unsubstantiated, a defense attorney may challenge its validity and, in this way, cast doubt upon the prosecution’s case.

In the event that the prosecution’s case is built upon incorruptible and corroborated evidence, the defense attorney may possess the opportunity to negotiate a plea deal with the state, thereby reducing the severity of the potential consequences facing the accused individual. However, the terms of such a deal must be ratified by a judge before they become validated.

Source: wbaltv.com, “Jury seated in trial for 8 charged in Baltimore jail case“, November 18, 2014