Four people have been charged in Baltimore with large-scale drug and firearms trafficking

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Attorney General Anthony Brown announced that four people have been charged following a long-running investigation in North Baltimore.

Charges in the indictment include illegal possession of firearms; illegal sale of firearms; possession of large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine; and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine.

“We will not allow criminal organizations to profit from the harm they cause in our communities,” Attorney General Brown said in a news release. “By removing dangerous weapons and drugs from our streets and holding criminal dealers accountable, we are making real progress in reducing crime and keeping Marylanders safe.”

The four people accused are:

• Lee Dotson, 34, of Baltimore: Charged in a 15-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, possession by a dealer in large quantities/quantities of fentanyl and possession by a dealer in large quantities/quantities of cocaine. Dotson is being held without bail.
• Joe Gentry, 65, of Baltimore: Charged in a 29-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, possession by a dealer of fentanyl in large quantity/quantity, possession by a dealer of heroin in large quantity/quantity and possession by a dealer of large quantity of fentanyl of cocaine in large quantities/volume, possession by a dealer of large quantities/volume of methamphetamine, illegal possession of a regulated firearm with a disqualifying conviction, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. Gentry is being held without bail.
• Charles McNeill, 29, of Baltimore: Charged in a 31-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, possession of a wholesaler of heroin, possession of a wholesaler of cocaine, illegal possession of…regulated firearm with a disqualifying conviction and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. McNeill is being held without bail.
• Roger Anderson, 35, of Baltimore: Charged in an 80-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS, distribution of a large quantity/quantity dealer of fentanyl, distribution of cocaine, illegal sale of a firearm, illegal possession of a regulated weapon Firearm with a disqualifying conviction and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. Anderson was arrested on September 12, 2024 and is currently being held without bail.

In October 2023, there was a joint investigation targeting the members and associates of a drug trafficking organization in an area known as “The Panyard” in the rear of the 5100 block of Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore City, just one block from the Pimlico Race Track.

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In total, police made about ten undercover drug purchases and one undercover purchase of a handgun.

Law enforcement also seized large quantities of drugs that were being shipped to the group via delivery carriers.

“The DEA’s top operational priority is to combat the current fentanyl crisis and the drug-related violence that is destroying the foundations of our community and family structures,” Jarod Forget, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Washington Division, said in a news release. As this research shows, illegal drug distribution and violence are undeniably linked. It is our responsibility to disrupt and dismantle criminal drug trafficking networks like The Panyard that threaten the safety and health of communities. Our strong partnership with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and BPD allows us to hold violent gang members like these accountable for their actions.”

The investigation culminated in multiple search warrants completed in July and August 2024.

• A search of Lee Dotson's residence resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl and oxycodone, as well as approximately $36,000 in federal dollars and some firearm ammunition.
• A search of Joe Gentry's residence resulted in the discovery of 1.8 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.7 kilograms of cocaine, 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, 77 grams of suboxone, as well as a loaded .357 caliber handgun and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.
• A search of Roger Anderson's home uncovered an additional 350 grams of cocaine and 102 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement previously seized another handgun from Anderson.
• A search of Charles McNeill's residence uncovered two kilograms of fentanyl, 821 grams of heroin, 636 grams of cocaine, approximately $99,000 in U.S. dollars and two loaded 9mm handguns.
• Finally, a search of a storage unit owned by Charles McNeill uncovered two additional loaded 9mm handguns and a loaded AR rifle.

In total, the investigation resulted in the seizure of over 23 kilograms of drugs, including more than six kilograms of fentanyl, nine handguns and an AR rifle.

“This investigation highlights the tireless efforts of our dedicated officers in removing drugs and firearms from our neighborhoods,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said in a news release. “I want to express my gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their continued collaboration and to our community as we work together to dismantle these networks and make our city safer.”