Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division arrested two people on suspicion of committing firearms and drug-related crimes. Ordinarily, such news would not be especially surprising because such crimes are common. However, these two arrests are noteworthy because the suspects had already appeared in court on virtually the same charges and were free awaiting trial.
The allegations
According to a report from a preliminary investigation, the two suspects were in possession of firearms and were distributing heroin while they were on a pre-trial release from drug and firearms arrests in July 2020. On Oct. 23, troopers from the MSP Firearms Enforcement Unit, the MSP Gang Unit and other units of the MSP obtained a search warrant for the house where the two suspects were allegedly staying. The troopers found firearms, ammunition, and a quantity of heroin, which were seized at the scene.
The two suspects were also present in the house, and they surrendered to officers without incident. In addition to the drug and firearms charges from the July 2020 incident, one of the suspects had an outstanding arrest warrant for failure to appear on a DUI charge. Both suspects were incarcerated in the Wicomico County Detention Center. One suspect was released on a $50,000 no security bond, while the other man was being held on a no bond status.
What next?
Both men were facing serious charges which have been compounded by their recent arrests. Anyone facing charges from two separate crimes could face a significant period of incarceration and a fine. A defendant in such a situation may benefit from consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney for an evaluation of the evidence, suggestion of potential defense strategies and assistance in negotiating a beneficial plea agreement.