FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or
MARCIA MURPHY at 410-209-4885
September 30, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANNAPOLIS MAN INDICTED ON FEDERAL GUN AND DRUG CHARGES
Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted Delmarcus Branford, a/k/a “Baydo,” age 19, of Annapolis, Maryland, for distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. The indictment was returned yesterday.
“At a recent call in, violent offenders in Annapolis were warned that they would face federal charges if they continued to commit crimes in the City,” said Chief Michael Pristoop of the Annapolis Police Department. “Hopefully this arrest and indictment send the message that we are very serious about pursuing these offenders.”
According to the eight count indictment, on seven occasions from June 3 to September 22, 2009, Delmarcus Branford distributed five grams or more of crack cocaine. The indictment further alleges that in furtherance of his drug trafficking, on July 13, 2009 Branford possessed a Taurus .38 special.
Branford faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for each of the seven drug counts and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Branford was arrested last night by officers and agents of the Annapolis Police Department Narcotics, Flex and K-9 Units and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Branford is scheduled to have his initial appearance in federal district court in Baltimore today at 3:00 p.m.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop and his department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigative work. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorney Kwame J. Manley, who is prosecuting the case.