Baltimore County Heroin Ring Leader Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

BALTIMORE, MD — An investigation into Baltimore area heroin distribution led authorities to an Irvington man who was sentenced Friday for his alleged role leading a drug trafficking organization, officials said.

Adrian Spence, 28, admitted to organizing and leading a drug trafficking organization in Baltimore County of more than five individuals who conspired to distribute 1 to 3 kilograms of heroin, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.

Spence was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, the U.S. Attorney said, noting he signed a plea agreement.

On phone calls that investigators used as evidence, Spence was heard coordinating drug sales in the Baltimore County area, directing someone else charged in the case to cut heroin by "stomping on it" and "crushing it down" and trying to get sources for later resale, according to the plea agreement.

A search warrant was executed at his home in July 2015, revealing $26,320 in cash, cell phones and other items. Court records indicate Spence lived in the 300 block of Marydell Road in Irvington.

As part of his sentencing, Spence was ordered by U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett to forfeit the $26,320.