FBI raid on Annapolis 'open-air drug store' results in 11 arrests

An early morning FBI raid in Annapolis on Wednesday led to 11 arrests related to an “open-air drug store” that investigators operated in the New Vernon and Clay Street neighborhoods, according to federal court documents.

The arrests followed a 17-month investigation by FBI and Annapolis Police Task Force officials that included physical and wiretap surveillance, according to an indictment filed Tuesday, which led to allegations of money laundering and trafficking in cocaine, crack, Heroin, various opioid pills and PCP.

Authorities identified one of their “targets,” Curtis Johnson, as the “primary supplier” to the Clay Street operation. The remaining defendants, the prosecutors, played different roles, from cocaine suppliers to street dealers. They are:

• Larry Adams, also known as “LA”, “L” or “Los Angeles”
• Orlando Thomson, aka “Burmp”
• Rodrick Simms, also known as “Boo Boo”
• Juan Lamont Johnson, also known as “JJ”
• Demarco Watkins, also known as “Pappa” or “Pop”
• Sheldon Wells, also known as “Butters” or “Butta”
• Abdallah Simms, also known as “Moe C” or “Mace”
• Aureon Johnson, also known as “A” or “Shorty A”
• Keo Williams, aka “Cheek”
• Tijee Benett, also known as “Goo Goo”

According to the Justice Department, all 11 defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, which could carry a sentence of life in prison depending on the amount and type of drugs involved.

Although most of the crimes outlined in court documents occurred near New Vernon and Clay streets, the FBI agent who wrote the indictment said Adams was the only suspect who lived in the area. They described him as the “enforcer and protector” of the drugstore.

Angelina Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, declined to comment on the raid and criminal proceedings.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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