BALTIMORE DRUG SUPPLIER CONVICTED IN FEDERAL COURT

Martin C. Carlson, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that James Murphy, a/k/a “Jimmy Murphy”, a/k/a “Black”, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland, was convicted Tuesday on criminal conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and distribution of heroin and crack cocaine charges. United States District Court Judge William W. Caldwell presided over the 2 day federal trial held in Harrisburg.

According to U.S. Attorney Carlson, in the spring of 2008, the Pennsylvania State Police and Huntingdon County Drug Task Force officers began an investigation into the trafficking of crack cocaine and heroin in Huntingdon County. Police made several controlled drug purchases and based upon information gathered from surveillance, confidential informant statements and the controlled purchases, officers determined that Murphy transported crack cocaine and heroin from Baltimore, Maryland and delivered the drugs to individuals selling them for him in Pennsylvania. Three of those individuals, Richard Byrd, Laura Beth Shope, and Clifton Shields were sentenced earlier this year to a combined total of over 600-months imprisonment.

Murphy faces up to life imprisonment and a $4,000,000 fine.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

This case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police; Huntingdon County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

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