24 Alleged Heroin Dealers Indicted in Annapolis Undercover Sting

Six months of investigation and undercover drug buys have culminated in the indictment of 24 suspected heroin dealers, Annapolis Police said Tuesday.

The Annapolis Police Department announces the indictments of twenty-four Annapolis heroin dealers. The Annapolis Heroin Initiative spanned more than six months and involved Annapolis detectives working undercover to make controlled purchases from drug dealers.

The Annapolis Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit made 50 purchases from drug dealers in different areas around the city, including 12 in and around Newtowne Drive. Six guns were also seized from the Woodside Gardens community on Newtowne Drive.

Six people died from heroin overdoses in Annapolis in 2013, compared to three fatal overdoses in 2014, and none in 2015. There have also been 25 non-fatal heroin overdoses reported so far this year.

Annapolis Police officers started carrying nasally administered naloxone in June of 2014, which can reverse the effects of an overdose. Officers have administered the drug in four overdoses this year.

“Annapolis is a safe city, but it is not a safe place for anyone to traffic in illegal drugs,” said Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop. “The police department will relentlessly continue our enforcement efforts and work with our partners to eradicate illegal drug activity. We are thankful there is reduction in heroin overdoses in Annapolis, and that is a more important goal beyond just the arrests.”

• Jestin Elliott, 23, of Annapolis
• Keddrick Green, 18, of Annapolis
• Onjay Johnson, 19, of Laurel
• Isiah Naylor, 19, of Glen Burnie
• Richard Naylor, 22, of Glen Burnie
• Michelle Neal, 23, of Annapolis
• Jaron Rhodes, 21, of Annapolis
• Donovan Robinson, 20, of Annapolis
• Jonathan Scott, 49, of Annapolis
• Leeron Shaw, 26, of Annapolis
• Kedrick Tooles, 26, of Severn
• Sheldon Wells, 25, of Annapolis
• Keo Williams, 18, of Annapolis

Eleven other suspects were indicted; police said their names will be released in the coming days. One juvenile will also be charged in this initiative.

The arrests of the alleged heroin dealers began Aug. 17, and continued Tuesday, police said.

“Heroin dealers are a clear and present enemy to our children, our citizens, and our safe streets,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams. “I am proud to work alongside a law enforcement team that prioritizes professionalism, efficiency and thorough investigations. This kind of hard work will help us stop the revolving door of recidivism.”

The Annapolis Police Department urges residents to report drug activity by calling 410-268-4141. Anonymous tips can be called into 410-280-CLUE (2583).

»Photos of Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop announcing drug arrests, plus guns and cash seized during arrests of alleged heroin dealers, courtesy of Annapolis Police