13 Indicted in Heroin Ring, $1M in Cash, Drugs Seized: Police

Thirteen suspected drug dealers have been indicted for their alleged roles in a multi-million-dollar drug ring that brought heroin to Anne Arundel County streets, police and prosecutors announced Wednesday.

An eight-month effort by local and federal police and prosecutors targeted drug dealers with the goal of crippling their distribution centers, according to a release from the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney office. Nearly $1 million in assets were seized by authorities in the raid, including 12 firearms and three vehicles.

A three-count indictment unsealed Tuesday in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court charged eight suspects with conspiracy to distribute heroin, among other drug-related offenses.

“Today’s announcement should send a message to those seeking to deal drugs on our streets that we will find you,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams. “Your kind of business is not welcome here.”

Seven suspects have been arrested, while police are still searching for Andres Fernandez, 40, of 404 Alameda Parkway in Arnold, on conspiracy to sell and posses heroin charges.

“I hope that this investigation shows the citizens of Anne Arundel County that we are resolved to continue the fight against the destruction heroin wreaks in our communities,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare. “We have a national crisis on our hands and we have to stem the tide of useless deaths. It is up to all of us in the community to work together to keep our friends and families safe.”

On Oct. 14, seven search and seizure warrants were executed at various locations in Glen Burnie, Millersville and Arnold. Items seized included:

• 3 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of $360,000
• 1.5 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $150,000
• 394 capsules of heroin with an estimated street value of $3,940
• 12 firearms, six of which were reported stolen; and a large amount of ammunition
• About $90,000 cash, presumed drug proceeds
• About $100,000 in jewelry, presumed drug proceeds
• Three vehicles, worth about $200,000, presumed drug proceeds
• Paraphernalia used to distribute drugs, including scales, baggies, and bags of unused gelatin capsules

Other suspects indicted on various drug charges are:

• Jessica Blackburn, 28, 514 Crain Hwy. North Suite K, Glen Burnie
• Louis Valentine, 33, no fixed address
• John Thornton III, 41, 1408 Crain Hwy. South Apt. 2, Glen Burnie
• Bernard Mooney, 54, 1408 Crain Hwy. South Apt. 2, Glen Burnie
• Troy William Branch, 21, 6395 Smithy Square Apt. B, Glen Burnie
• Billy Jo Musgrove, 25, 201 Longwood Ave., Glen Burnie
• Brandon Rutter, 28, 615 Lorca Ave., Brooklyn
• Janelle Frances Jones, 24, 963 W. Benning Road, Galesville
• Beth Ann Royston, 31, 109 Saint James Drive, Glen Burnie
• Gerald Mark Snyder, 30, 1317 Race St., Cambridge
• Nicole Marie Snyder, 28, 1317 Race St., Cambridge
• Amber Jean Garland, 25, 201 Longwood Ave., Glen Burnie

»Photo of Anne Arundel County press conference on drug arrests, courtesy of Anne Arundel County