AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885

June 27, 2006

BALTIMORE MAN SENTENCED TO OVER 22 YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND USE OF FIREARMS

Baltimore, Maryland - Charles Garrison, age 36, of Baltimore, was sentenced today to 270 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to the statement of facts presented to the court on December 29, 2004 at his guilty plea, from 2003 to 2004 Garrison conspired with others to distribute crack cocaine, heroin, powder cocaine and other controlled substances from various locations including 7 South Broadway Street in Baltimore. In 2003, Garrison and others distributed and possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, 10 grams of heroin and a detectable amount of powder cocaine. Garrison used various cell phones to contact and organize meetings with drug buyers. On April 30, 2004 officers recovered from the South Broadway street location 53.14 grams or more of a mixture containing crack cocaine, 10.2 grams of a mixture containing heroin and a quantity of a mixture containing cocaine.

During his drug activities, Garrison carried various firearms, including a Norico SKS 7.62 caliber rifle; a Glock 20, 10mm pistol; a Glock Mossberg 500a, .12 gauge shotgun; a Glock 23, .40 caliber pistol; a Glock 27, .40 caliber pistol; and a Intratec 9mm pistol; with ammunition. In early April, 2004, Garrison and others moved the firearms from 7 South Broadway to 270 S. Highland Avenue, Baltimore. On May 4, 2004, law enforcement officials recovered the firearms with ammunition.

As part of his plea agreement in federal court, Garrison acknowledged his participation in the murder of James McNeely on March 7, 2004. McNeely was a former member of the drug conspiracy. He sold cocaine, crack, and heroin with Garrison and others from various locations in East Baltimore, Maryland. According to the facts mentioned in court, Garrison was hired by another member of the drug conspiracy to murder McNeely. Garrison pled guilty in state court to first degree murder on December 29, 2004. His sentencing for the murder charge is pending.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baltimore City Police Department for their investigative work, and commended Assistant United States Attorney Kwame J. Manley, who prosecuted the case.