FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885
DECEMBER 22, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THREE DEFENDANTS CONVICTED IN DRUG DISTRIBUTION SCHEME
Today’s Convictions Complete the First of Four Trials of the Drug Enterprise
GREENBELT, Maryland - United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announces that today a federal jury convicted John Albert Martin, Jr., age 51, of Lanham, Maryland; Craig Arnold Scott, age 42, of Columbia, Maryland; and Donna Conzuella Johnson, age 48, of Landover, Maryland of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, use of communications device to facilitate narcotics trafficking and violations of the Travel Act.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein stated, “This major Maryland drug-dealing organization was dismantled thanks to the coordinated work of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.”
According to evidence established during the 5 week trial, between January 1997 to June 2004, the defendants conspired to distribute multi-kilograms of cocaine, cocaine base and heroin throughout the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. The defendants received their narcotics from New York, California, Wyoming and elsewhere. More specifically, the evidence established that during a wiretap interception, John Martin., Jr. conspired to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 100 grams to 1 kilogram of heroin, and more than 50 grams of cocaine base, commonly referred to as crack cocaine; Craig Arnold Scott conspired to distribute 100 grams to 1 kilogram of heroin; and Donna Conzuella Johnson conspired to distribute more that one kilogram of heroin.
This investigation, known as Operation Encore, was initiated in October 2002 by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. The investigation involves a multi-agency drug-money laundering task force including Immigration & Customs Enforcement, United States Postal Service, Prince George’s County Police, Montgomery County Police, Maryland State Police, Baltimore City Police, Howard County Police, and Baltimore County Police departments. The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with the arrests and search warrants.
Beginning in mid-2004, this multi-agency drug task force executed 30 federal search warrants throughout Maryland, Washington, DC, and New York, resulting in the arrest of 31 individuals on federal drug conspiracy and mail-wire fraud charges. Agents seized over 3 kilograms of heroin, over a million dollars in cash, 8 handguns, a ballistic vest, large quantities of cocaine and heroin. A quantity of the drug proceeds were laundered through the purchases of life insurance policies. Trial of the defendants has been scheduled in four phases. Today’s convictions complete the first phase. The second, third and fourth trials are scheduled to begin March 21, 2006, June 6, 2006 and September 12, 2006, respectively.
The maximum penalty for John Martin, Jr. and Donna Johnson is life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for Craig Scott is 40 years. Sentencing is set for April 10, 2006.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the agencies listed above for the investigative work they performed. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Bonnie S. Greenberg, who are prosecuting the case.
This page last modified—January 31, 2006