Multi-Million-Dollar Heroin Ring Leader Sent to Prison

>>News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: ANNAPOLIS •EDGEWATER • ODENTON

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The head of a drug ring that prosecutors say was responsible for bringing millions of dollars of heroin and cocaine to Anne Arundel County streets was sentenced to 25 years in prison, authorities said Friday.

Andres Fernandez, 40, of Arnold, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and illegal possession of a regulated firearm Thursday in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

According to a news release, Fernandez was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with all but 25 years of that sentence suspended and the first five years to be served without the possibility of parole.

“A daunting message was sent to those who seek to peddle poison on our streets,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams in a statement. “Don’t sell drugs in Anne Arundel County. Sentences like these should greatly impact criminals who are considering whether to set up shop here. Anne Arundel County is taking back our community.”

Fernandez is considered to be the leader of a million-dollar drug operation that was disbanded through an eight-month effort by local and federal police, as well as prosecutors. Nearly $1 million in assets was seized in the raid, including 12 firearms and three vehicles.

Twelve other people have also been charged in connection with the case. Fernandez was arrested in New York in November; the others involved in the ring were arrested in October.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this case,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare. “The shared case work represents a sea change in how we go after predators and dealers of poison.”

SEE ALSO: ‘I Really Like Getting High’: Anne Arundel Heroin User

On Oct. 14, 2014, 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

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 Andres Fernandez, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police