FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885
MARCH 10, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEMBER OF RICE ORGANIZATION PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG CHARGES
BALTIMORE, Maryland - United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announces that today Robert Lee Baker, age 59, of Baltimore pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
According to the statement of facts provided to the court today, from 2002 to 2004, Baker conspired with Howard Rice, Raeshio Rice, and a number of other individuals to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. Baker and his co-conspirators distributed heroin and money at a variety of locations in the Northwest area of Baltimore City. During the course of the conspiracy, Baker allowed his co-conspirators to maintain their drugs in his home. During Baker’s involvement in the conspiracy, the organization distributed and possessed with intent to distribute more than 30 kilograms of heroin.
Baker faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, followed by a mandatory term of supervised release of five years, and a maximum fine of the greatest of $4,000,000, twice the gain derived from the offense, or twice the loss to persons other than Baker. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. has scheduled sentencing for May 25, 2006.
Howard Rice, age 39 and Raeshio Rice, age 33, both of Baltimore and their co-defendants are scheduled to go to trial on October 10, 2006.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore City Police Department, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City and the United States Attorney’s Office. Mr. Rosenstein also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Levin and Jason Weinstein, who are prosecuting the case.
This page last modified—March 10, 2006