23 Jan Federal drug charges for 15 in alleged Maryland operation

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drug Charges on Wednesday, January 23, 2013.

The Baltimore Sun has reported that 18 individuals were recently arrested in connection with a federal indictment that was the culmination of an investigation brought on by a Maryland car accident just over one year ago. The indictment contains drug charges and was returned against 15 people, including the man who crashed his car in January 2012. At the time of the accident, authorities say they seized almost 600 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $2,000 worth of cash.

A drug trafficking investigation followed. While authorities claim the operation involved cocaine and other illegal drugs, only marijuana appears to have been confiscated during the investigation. In all, it was reported that some 60 pounds of marijuana was seized, along with 35 weapons and 30 motor vehicles. More than $300,000 in cash was also taken.

The details of the drug trafficking allegations were sparse. Authorities did indicate, however, that the drugs were brought into Maryland by air and by ground transportation from as far away as California. The accused individuals were charged with running a drug operation that included a number of businesses used to launder the money received. If convicted of the drug trafficking conspiracy charges, all 15 could be sentenced to a life term in a federal penitentiary. The money laundering allegations apply to 14 of the accused, and conviction on those allegations could result in a prison term of up to 20 years.

As this case heads to court, each defendant is clearly fighting the full force and weight of the federal government. To prevail, a prosecutor will need to prove each and every element of the crimes charged against each defendant. If the prosecution is not able to sustain its stringent burden of proof, an individual may not face conviction.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, “Eighteen arrested in suburban illegal drug conspiracy,” Carrie Wells, Jan. 15, 2013