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AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885  

June 21, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md                                       

UPPER MARLBORO MAN SENTENCED TO OVER 24 YEARS

FOR COCAINE TRAFFICKING

GREENBELT, Maryland - James Edwards, age 40, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland was sentenced today to 292 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to the statement of facts presented at his guilty plea, Edwards was overheard in a conversation with Lester Fletcher on February 5, 2005 agreeing to deliver approximately two kilograms of powder cocaine for $52,000. On February 10, police officers stopped Brenda Fletcher for a traffic violation in Prince George’s County, and recovered $52,000 cash and a Sig SP 2009 semi-automatic handgun. Law enforcement learned from the intercepted conversations that Lester Fletcher intended to pay Edwards $52,000 for the two kilograms of powder cocaine, and Brenda Fletcher was on her way to Edwards to deliver the money. On another occasion, Brenda Fletcher received one kilogram of powder cocaine from Edwards for delivery to Lester Fletcher. On March 25 Prince George’s County detectives stopped a van in which Edwards was a passenger for traffic violations and recovered $64,500. The money had been delivered to him by Lester Fletcher, Brenda Fletcher and Fred Mitchell for payment of multiple kilograms of cocaine powder.

Lester Fletcher was convicted on May 8, 2006 of conspiracy to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances; conspiracy to money launder; and, money laundering arising out of a significant drug operation that operated in Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Charles and Calvert counties. He faces a maximum sentence of life at his July 19, 2006 sentencing. Brenda Fletcher pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and to a handgun violation and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17, 2006. Fred Mitchell pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2006.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Prince George’s County Police Department. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys David I. Salem and Gina L. Simms, who are prosecuting the case.

This page last modified—June 21, 2006