By Michelle Richardson
Special to the AFRO
The man accused of running a West Baltimore drug ring has been charged with killing a 27-year-old in February, authorities said at a press conference on Dec. 16.
Calvin Sanders and 15 others including Jermol McCoy, Deontae Simms, James Miller III, Vernon White, Dominic England, Justin Prestia, Dan Burley, Jason Mayo, Donnelle ‘Briscoe’ Dortch, Derrick Jones, Der’rel Jones, Aaron Jenkins, Wayne England, Tyrone Thomas, and Nicole Washington are alleged to be part of two drug organizations operating in the Midtown Edmondson neighborhood.
(Stock Photo)
In addition to the fatal shooting, which occurred February 1 in the 1800 block of Edmondson Ave., the indictment alleges Sanders authorized an attack on a member of a rival drug crew in September. It also alleges members plotted to kidnap a woman in the Hampden community on October 29.
One defendant, Wayne England, remains at large and authorities are asking for the public’s help to track him down. England is accused of taking part in the failed kidnapping.
“Our local drug trade fuels violence and murder in the city, so the ability to stop and to intercept drug activity, especially the targeting of fentanyl distribution, is an integral component to tackling violence,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
Sanders is also charged under Maryland’s Drug Kingpin statues as was McCoy, who is allegedly the leader of another drug organization.
Raids conducted on different properties said to be associated with the crews netted 100 grams of fentanyl and 68 grams of cocaine. Mosby said there was “other evidence that will come out in trial.”
“This level of collaboration is exactly what the people of Baltimore are asking for, and exactly what we committed to do,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison. “This is the way we make Baltimore safer.”
Baltimore homicide detectives partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Maryland State Police, as well as city and federal prosecutors, to pull together the case.
Records indicated the charges were initially filed in late October, with the indictment unsealed this month.
Sanders hasn’t been convicted of a crime since 2005, according to online court documents. In 2012, a 20-count armed robbery case was dropped. In 2011, two cases totaling 26 counts including attempted murder was also dropped.