Accused Towson Drug Dealer Tied To 2 Overdose Deaths: Officials

TOWSON, MD — A Towson man has been linked to two fatal overdoses in Harford County, according to authorities. He was released recently on $5,000 bail after being charged with drug distribution, officials said.

Kenneth Baker, 21, of Waterway Court, was arrested Jan. 21 in Edgewood, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office. He faces three charges of possession with intent to distribute narcotics and three counts of possession with intent to distribute drugs other than marijuana, according to court records.

Detectives in Harford County said they identified Baker as the supplier in two fatal overdoses in the past three months.

In the more recent case, officials said a man was found dead Friday from a drug overdose in the 5300 block of Norrisville Road in White Hall, where authorities were called for a cardiac arrest.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office investigates all fatal overdoses to try to identify the supplier.

While authorities said the investigation was ongoing, detectives from the Harford County Narcotics Task Force and the Harford County Sheriff's Office Crime Suppression Unit took Baker into custody without incident in Edgewood after the White Hall overdose.

Another cardiac arrest call occurred on Oct. 21, 2021, in Joppa that officials said was linked to Baker as well. In that case, a man died from a drug overdose in the 2200 block of Dunwood Lane.

Baker pleaded guilty in November to possession with intent to distribute narcotics in Baltimore County and was sentenced to five years, with the entire sentence suspended. He was also ordered to 18 months of probation, according to court records. A bench warrant was issued Tuesday for Baker's arrest for violating probation.

In Harford County, 70 people died from heroin last year, according to Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler.

"The members of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force continue to tirelessly target those responsible for dealing death in our County," Gahler said. "The heroin epidemic is not over, and the efforts of our detectives make it clear; if you deal drugs in Harford County, we will find you!"

After appearing before the Harford County District Court Commissioner, Baker posted $5,000 bond and was released. He is slated to appear in Harford County District Court on Feb. 18 for a preliminary hearing.