Police say most of these deals happened in broad daylight. The NFT is housed within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at the DEA's Hagerstown Office. Its like watching a slow train crash coming that you dont know how to stop.. Kevin and Dana Simmers at the future site of Brooke's House. Police seized drugs, cash and weapons from the residence, Kerns said. Two additional private methadone treatment centers have since opened in the area, not to mention the Washington County Health Departments outpatient addiction program, which treated more than 11,000 patients between 2013 and its closing this spring due to state budget cuts. Or an illegal immigrant? Spain is being held without bond at the Caroline County Detention Center. In 2009, an old theater was transformed into BISFA, a magnet arts high school. The seized drugs have a street value of approximately $471,000, according to prosecutors. The drugs seized during the investigation amounted to 8.6 kilograms of cocaine, 1.02 kilograms of heroin, and 12 ounces of cocaine base "crack," with a street value of approximately $471,000. 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. In a Brookings Institution study of 114 metropolitan areas that specialized in manufacturing from 1980-2005, the Hagerstown-Martinsburg (West Virginia) area had the second-highest percentage of industry job change in the U.S., a staggering 70 percent. ; Cody William Grant, 26, of 826 Dewey Ave., Apt. President Donald Trump spoke to a packed hangar at Hagerstown Regional Airport during his campaign in 2016 and won the county vote by a 2-1 margin. 6:15 AM. Additionally, in less than one month, Smith and Tyler contacted each other 714 times by cell phone. From March 20 to April 24, 2019, law enforcement surveilled activity at the suspected unit on a daily basis and observed Smith opening the storage unit to weigh and process suspected narcotics for distribution. 2023 www.heraldmailmedia.com. Andre Luther Woolford, 33, of Hurlock, Maryland. osh Morningstar could be the poster boy for the use of prescription opioids gone awry. "If they just had a pipefine," he said. a shuttered barber shop on Jonathan Street. orking with Philadelphia-based Urban Partners, the city has put together a 10-year City Center Plan, which began in 2014, to enhance the towns quality of life and attract new developers, investors, and businesses. Situated near the Potomac River and what was once Western Maryland and West Virginia coal country, Hagerstown served as a vital gateway to the fertile Midwest. Additionally, in Through further investigation, law enforcement determined that Smith supplied narcotics to Tyler and Eddie Ware, who were Hagerstown, Maryland heroin and fentanyl drug dealers. An official website of the United States government. From March 20 to April 24, 2019, law enforcement surveilled activity at the suspected unit on a daily basis and observed Smith opening the storage unit to weigh and process suspected narcotics for distribution. Multiple law enforcement agencies ultimately provided assistance with the investigation. It could not be determined Wednesday if those arrested remained in custody or were on pre-trial release. The person arrested on the outstanding warrant was Violet Benjamin, 53, of Hagerstown. Add to all of this one more factor: Three prisons in Hagerstown, includings two state penitentiaries, have had a habit, according to local law enforcement officials, of leaving ex-offenders in town once theyre released. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. NEWARK, NJTwo members of an alleged drug trafficking ring based . Anderson was charged with distribution of narcotics and possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was not marijuana, according to online court records. We get to engage and feel like were being a positive influence on the city.. Baltimore, Maryland - Thamar Smith, age 48, of Hagerstown, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.. The first indictment names 25 defendants accused in one or more of the drug conspiracies. (It also broke a record last year with eight homicides, sending its per capita murder rate past Philadelphia and Chicago.). She highlighted not just the personal toll of the opioid epidemic on families but decreasing property values, its effect on businesses and workforce participation rates, and the immense strain placed on the citys police, EMS, and fire department budgets. Thats everyone I know. 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. Several weapons were seized, including two stolen handguns, as well as rifles and shotguns, Kerns said. Mostly sunny skies with gusty winds. On February 19, city health officials reported the number of heroin overdoses to which EMS crews and city police responded to. July 28, 2021 / 2:11 PM A handful, with newer haircuts and cars, might be professionalssomewhere in this politically conservative county. 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. Miguel Angel Santiago Caraballo, 30, of Chambersburg, Pa. Three Hagerstown residents face drug charges after suspected heroin and suspected methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $50,000 was seized along with $9,000 in cash and several. Hagerstown, Washington County closer to seeing some opioid settlements, Fatal drug overdoses hit record levels during COVID, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, Ana Ercilia Luna, 36, of Hagerstown and the Dominican Republic, Juan Manuel De La Rosa-Tejeda, also known as Little Papi, 35, of Hagerstown and the Dominican Republic, Daniel Inoa-Rodriguez, also known as Danny, 21, of Hagerstown, Tyrone Lewis, also known as "Roc," 42, of Hagerstown, Edwin Orrillio, also known as J Money, 34, of Hagerstown, Carlos M. Nunez-Arias, also known as Charlote, 51, of Hagerstown, Edson Velasquez-Lopez, 50, of Martinsburg, Chelsea Nicole Pinkcett, 33, of Martinsburg, Ronald MichaelBowers, 52, of Martinsburg, Devron Jerel Brown, also known as Country, 33, of Martinsburg. Smith accessed the storage unit on 39 separate occasions and obtained at least 250 grams of narcotics during his visits. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Citing a release from the U . Grant also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of needles related to drugs; possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana; creating a common nuisance through distributing narcotics; and escape in the second degree, according to Kerns and online court records. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of heroin. In the early 1980s, King ran a large drug operation in East Baltimore and was a well-known figure, driving a DeLorean sports car and smoking with a bejeweled Zippo. February 21, 2023. Hagerstown, MD 2 days ago. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Kimberly Thompson, one count of maintaining a common nuisance for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. Nine arrested in early morning drug bust in Westernport. (In 2007, three Purdue executives pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the misbranding of OxyContin and paid $34.5 million in fines, while the company agreed to pay $600 million to resolve a Department of Justice investigation.) If effective, they will be a start in rebuilding Hagerstowns economy and, ultimately, its quality of life. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Law enforcement determined that the reported vehicle was registered to Smith and that the unit had been rented to Smith under a fraudulent New York State drivers license that bore Smiths photograph and the alias Michael Silver. People often use the term self-medicating to describe why people use drugs or alcohol, says Ron Zuskin, a licensed clinical social worker and former University of Maryland faculty member who has worked in Western Maryland. HAGERSTOWN, Md. Beckette was charged with three counts each of intent to distribute narcotics and possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was not marijuana, according to online court records. In a town with two traditional public high schoolsNorth High and South Highit has become the norm for incoming generations to attend several funerals before seeing their first classmate get married. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Before long, he was buying heroin because it was cheaper than pills, and he went from snorting to injecting it, simply to maintain the same highand eventually just to function, if you could call it that. 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. "They represent lives saved from overdose deaths and the continuing nightmare of drug addiction and the never-ending spinoffs of associated crimes from robberies, retail thefts, shootings and others that tear at the very fabric of our great and prosperous community," he said. Three people were taken into custody in Washington County last week on drug charges involving fentanyl and crack cocaine. But he moved his family to Pennsylvania a couple years ago, leaving Hagerstown behind. According to Bernard, those charged are: Lenin Erasmo Luna Mota, also known as "Papi," 48, of Hagerstown, Maryland, and the Dominican Republic Now, however, nearly all of the rails leading into downtown have been removed. "The operation in this case, I think it's fair to say, dealt with millions of dollars of drugs and proceeds," he said. "That is a snapshot, one day in the time of this case so that tells you that over the whole year of the investigation the breadth of this conspiracy and this illegal enterprise," Bernard said. Life is great now, he says. This place is a blessing. Its a problem, says former Hagerstown police chief Victor Brito, who resigned in May to lead the Rockville force. But the sad fact is that in 2018, Phoenix Health Center drawsmore people downtown than anything else on a Saturday. Indirectly, they could have a hand at reversing the public health crises in the long run, civic leaders say. o understand the DNA of Hagerstown, you have to go back to the 19th-century industrial boom. "If they just had a pipefine . The epidemic has not peaked yet by any means, says Mike Piercy, director of the Washington County Department of Social Services. We have a long way to go, but the school has brought life downtown, Hovermale says. 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. Police said a more than three-year investigation. Just like all shopping centers it's half empty now and easy to find parking. Tyler and Eddie Ware pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on October 28, 2020, and January 11, 2021; respectively. Opioids may be the deadliest catastrophe to hit Hagerstown, but the current crisis follows a long string of blows to a city that never made the transition from a mechanical to a hi-tech economy. Christina Trenton Nee, COO, and Charlie Mooneyhan, CEO, of Wells House. To me, the urban improvement project is huge. He was released after posting his $5,000 bond. Neither did the Washington County health officer or then-Hagerstown Police Chief Arthur Smith, who questioned the wisdom of opening a methadone clinic in a city that, he claimed, did not have a heroin problem. 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. Hagerstown, MD 3 days ago. I legitimately thought about that for five or six hours that day. The C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) Canal, which passes through Washington County and primarily transported coal, was already in operation by then, having been completed in 1850. The team lost its Orioles affiliation in the 1980s when the Os said goodbye to Hagerstown and hello to nearby Frederick. A months-long investigation initiated by citizen complaints resulted in the arrests of two suspected drug dealers Wednesday. Even as other Rust Belt towns declinelosing union jobs, community, status, and a general hope for a brighter futurethe numbers in Hagerstown are startling when you step back and look at them. The man seemed nervous. George Alfred Butler, 56, of Federalsburg, Maryland. But how many people do you know that have been attacked by a terrorist? Nine People Indicted in Historic Drug Bust on Maryland Eastern Shore, Eastern Shore Neighbors React to Historic Drug Bust, Governors Office Of Crime Prevention, Youth, And Victim Services, Dorchester County States Attorneys Office, Dorchester County Task Forces, Homeland Security Investigations And Drug Enforcement Administration, Multiple Threats Made to Delaware Schools, Gunshot from Pocket Leads to Multiple Charges for Milford Man, UPDATE: Delaware Man Fatally Shot Near Felton Identified, Two Salisbury Men Arrested on Multiple Rape and Weapon Charges, Recreational Crabbing Regulation Changes in Chesapeake Bay, Transparency Requirements for Group Health Plans, Possession of large amount of controlled dangerous substance, Distribution of large amount of controlled dangerous substance, 2 counts of conspiracy to distribute narcotic, Possession with intent to distribute narcotics, 2 counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, Conspiracy with intent to distribute narcotics, 3 counts conspiracy to distribute large amounts of narcotics, 3 counts conspiracy to distribute narcotics, Rifle/shotgun possession by disqualified person, 2 counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 4 counts conspiracy to distribute narcotics, Firearm possession with a felony conviction, Possession of controlled dangerous substance not-marijuana, Conspiracy to distribute large amounts of controlled dangerous substances, 2 counts possession of controlled dangerous substances not-marijuana, 2 counts of conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute narcotics, 2 counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 3 counts of conspiracy with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 3 counts of use of a firearm in drug trafficking, 2 counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance not marijuana, Possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana. (DC News Now) The Hagerstown Police Department said officers executed a search and seizure warrant at 115 S. Mulberry St. on Oct. 7, finding fentanyl, crack cocaine, $5,000 cash, and firearms. October of 2011, I woke up one day and thought, this is the day you die or the day you get clean. The guilty plea was announced by Jarod Forget,Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)'s Washington Division; United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; and Sheriff Douglas Mullendore of the Washington County Narcotics Task Force. The indictment also lists items requested for forfeiture that include more than $400,000 in cash, a .22 caliber pistol, ammunition, and six vehicles, all believed to be proceeds from the drug trafficking conspiracy. U.S. Attorney's Office December 21, 2012. Four people were apprehended, three in relation to the possession of controlled substances, and one on an outstanding warrant. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. 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. They dont stand a chance., The societal ripple effect of the opioid epidemic cant be overstated, says Piercy, who doesnt have to look any farther than outside his downtown Potomac Street office window to witness people nodding and passing out. Agents say anyone wishing to report narcotics information is encouraged to contact the task force by calling 301-791-3205, emailing drugtip@washco-md.net, orvisiting their website at wcntf.net. The first search was in the 500 block of Lynnehaven Drive in Hagerstown. The investigation involved federal, state and local law enforcement agencies includingthe Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force; the Berkeley and Jefferson County sheriff's offices; the Martinsburg, Charles Town, Ranson and Hagerstown police departments;the Washington County Drug Task Force; West Virginia and Maryland state police; the FBI; the U.S. The homes that were searched were in Preston, Hurlock, Federalsburg, Lanham and Crofton. Theres an unmistakable world-wearinesswritten into their faces. The drugs seized during the investigation amounted to 8.6 kilograms of cocaine, 1.02 kilograms of heroin, and 12 ounces of crack cocaine, with a street value of approximately $471,000. Three Hagerstown residents face drug charges after suspected heroin and suspected methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $50,000 was seized along with $9,000 in cash and several firearms during a drug bust this week involving multiple agencies, officials said. He liked the feeling the Vicodin gave him and began to sometimes take the pills just for that hydrocodone buzz. Julie E. Greene is a reporter for The Herald-Mail. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The indictment seeks forfeiture of $410,016 in cash, six vehicles and a .22-caliber revolver and ammunition. 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. 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. My daughter went to school with her. Up until that point, most people in Washington County viewed addiction as a criminal justice issue. Simms is being held at the Caroline County Detention Center without bond. Politically, Washington County has always tilted right. On Monday, task force agents said they found Oliver with a significant amount of heroin. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Those charged are: Lenin Erasmo Luna Mota, also known as "Papi," 48, of Hagerstown, Maryland and the Dominican Republic 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. Arrest made in Feb. 5 Hagerstown homicide. Forget Special Agent in Charge Washington, DC @DEAWashingtonDC June 29, 2022 Contact: Public Information Office Phone Number: (571) 362-1934 For Immediate Release
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