FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or
MARCIA MURPHY at 410-209-4885
March
19, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BALTIMORE CAREER CRIMINAL EXILED TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON
ON GUN AND DRUG CHARGES
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Antonio Thompson, a/k/a “Bones,” age 35, of Baltimore, today to 25 years in prison followed by eight years of supervised release, after being convicted on December 10, 2009, of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Blake enhanced Thompson’s sentence upon finding that he was a career offender based on three previous felony drug convictions.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy; Special Agent in Charge Ava Cooper-Davis of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III.
“Drug dealers should take note of this case,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “If you have a criminal record and you continue to deal drugs and possess guns, your next arrest might be your last.”
“This case is an example of how working together, federal and local authorities can make our communities safer by sending repeat drug offenders away for significant periods of time,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy.
According to testimony at Thompson’s three day trial, law enforcement began investigating Thompson for selling crack cocaine from 2800 Virginia Avenue in Baltimore. Law enforcement arranged for a confidential informant to make a purchase of crack cocaine from Thompson, providing the informant with $300 for the purchase. On October 14, 2008, the informant entered the parking area at 2800 Virginia Avenue and met Thompson, who was already there. After a brief conversation, the informant gave Thompson the money and Thompson went into 2800 Virginia Avenue. He quickly returned to the parking area and handed the crack cocaine to the informant. An officer watched as Thompson then walked to 2913 Virginia Avenue and entered the residence.
On November 24, 2008, search warrants were executed at 2800 and 2913 Virginia Avenue. Thompson was located in 2913 Virginia Avenue. In the search of 2800 Virginia Avenue, officers discovered a total of approximately 58 grams each of crack cocaine and a cutting agent; drug packaging materials; a small amount of powder cocaine; and an assault pistol. In addition, an eviction notice addressed to Antonio Thompson at 2800 Virginia Avenue was seized from inside the front door.
Mr. Rosenstein commended Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Celeste, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. Harding, who prosecuted the case.