Three people arrested in Solomons on drug charges after undercover surveillance – Southern Maryland News Net

Three individuals were arrested on September 26, 2024 after an investigation led by the Calvert County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) led to a drug raid at the Solomons Landing Apartments in Solomons, Maryland. The arrests followed several weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering efforts into suspected drug activity in the area.

The DEU had received numerous tips over the years regarding Kenneth Eugene Rollins Jr., 46, of Solomons. According to the DEU, Rollins was investigated several times for the distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), including crack. Rollins had previously cooperated with investigators and offered to become a confidential informant following his arrest in June 2024, but the deal fell through when he stopped communicating with law enforcement after a stint in rehabilitation.

In early September 2024, investigators received new reports that Rollins had resumed his illegal activities. Based on this information, the DEU conducted covert surveillance at the Solomons Landing Apartments, where Rollins was staying. Officers noted that Rollins frequently interacted with well-known employees and regular customers, including Chelsea Lee Hoofnagle, 38, of Lusby, and Daniel Joseph Leaman, 40, also of Lusby.

On the afternoon of September 26, 2024, officers observed a blue Hyundai driven by Leaman and a silver Jeep parked in front of Rollins' apartment. Rollins was seen riding his bicycle toward the vehicles and conducting a hand-to-hand transaction with Daniel Wayne Grover, who had exited the Jeep. Grover later admitted to receiving a Xanax pill from Rollins.

After the conversation, Rollins approached the Hyundai, where Hoofnagle was sitting in the passenger seat. Witnesses reported that Rollins reached into his pocket and handed Hoofnagle what appeared to be narcotics. Moments later, DEU officers moved in to make the arrests.

During the arrest, Hoofnagle allegedly attempted to swallow the drugs she received from Rollins. Officers reported that Hoofnagle refused to cooperate and that it took several officers to forcibly remove her from the vehicle. After a brief struggle, officers were able to recover a small bag of suspected crack cocaine from her mouth.

Rollins and Leaman were also taken into custody. Officers found $150 in cash and another $54 on Rollins. A crack pipe was discovered in Leaman's vehicle along with other paraphernalia.

After being taken into custody, all suspects were read their Miranda rights. Hoofnagle admitted to using crack cocaine during the arrest and told emergency responders that only some of the drugs she swallowed were recovered. Grover, who was not initially arrested, confessed to purchasing a Xanax pill from Rollins earlier in the day.

The suspects were taken to the Calvert County Detention Center where they were formally charged with several crimes:

• Kenneth Eugene Rollins Jr., 46, of Solomons: Three counts of CDS distribution, including the distribution of crack cocaine to Hoofnagle, Leaman and Grover; possession of crack cocaine; and possession of Xanax. Rollins faces up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine for each distribution charge.
• Chelsea Lee Hoofnagle, 38, of Lusby: Possession of crack cocaine and destruction of evidence. She faces up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine for possession.
• Daniel Joseph Leaman, 40, of Lusby: Possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
  

  Chelsea Lee Hoofnagle, 38, of Lusby

  

  Kenneth Eugene Rollins Jr., 46, of Solomons

  

  Daniel Joseph Leaman, 40, of Lusby

This entry was posted on September 30, 2024 at 10:25 am and is filed under A, All News, Calvert News, County, Law Enforcement, Top News, z 600X120 Top Ad Below, z Police Ad Above. You can follow all replies to this entry via the RSS 2.0 feed.