FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885
FEBRUARY 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GANG LEADER SENTENCED TO 80 YEARS IN PRISON FOR
JANUARY 15, 2005 FIREBOMBING ATTEMPT
Defendants Targeted Baltimore Woman Who
Tried to Stop Them from Selling Drugs in Her Neighborhood
BALTIMORE, Maryland - United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announces that today U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Terrence Smith, age 24, to 80 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Smith, along with co-defendants Nakie Harris, age 30 and Richard Royal, age 21, both of Baltimore, was convicted by a federal jury on December 13, 2005, of conspiracy to commit witness tampering, witness tampering by attempted murder, use of firearms in a crime of violence, using fire and explosives in a felony and making firearms, in connection with the January 15, 2005 arson of a residence located in the Harwood community of Baltimore, Maryland.
U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz stated at sentencing that, “This kind of violence can’t be tolerated.”
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said, “We want criminals to know that if they try to intimidate a witness, they will face the full force of state and federal law enforcement to bring about a swift prosecution and substantial punishment.”
According to trial testimony, on January 15, 2005, Terrence Smith, along with co-defendants Harris, Royal, Jackie Brewington, age 19, Andre Wilkins, age 32, Isaac Smith, age 26, and Shakia Watkins, age 19, all of Baltimore, conspired to attempt to kill a person to prevent such person from communicating information to federal law enforcement about the commission and possible commission of drug trafficking. Smith, who gave the order for the firebombing, was the leader of the “Bloods” gang that planned the attack. The defendants met at his residence for planning. The defendants purchased gasoline and beer bottles, and made “Molotov Cocktails.” The defendants threw the “Molotov Cocktails” at the residence and used a getaway car to escape.
Nakie Harris and Richard Royal were both sentenced on February 3, 2005 to 60 years followed by 5 years and 3 years of supervised release, respectively. Prior to trial, Brewington, Andre Watkins and Isaac Smith pled guilty to witness tampering and use of fire and explosives to commit a felony and each faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Shakia Watkins pled guilty to conspiracy to commit witness tampering and faces 5 years in prison Their sentencings have not yet been scheduled.
An additional defendant, Cedrick Bowman, age 24, of Baltimore was indicted on December 13, 2005 in this case on the same charges.
United States Attorney Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Baltimore City Fire Department; Baltimore City Police Department; and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. David Copperthite and Kwame J. Manley, who are prosecuting the case.
This page last modified—February 21, 2006