AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885

August 18, 2006

DEFENDANT INDICTED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MURDER DURING A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME

Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury indicted Lamar Prilliman, age 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, on June 28, 2006, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, intentional killing during a drug trafficking crime and distribution of heroin and cocaine base, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. The indictment was unsealed today.

According to the 5-count indictment, from 1998 to 2006 Prilliman conspired with others to distribute a quantity of mixture containing heroin, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base. On September 16, 2000 Prilliman distributed 5 grams or more of cocaine base to Sharon Bagley. On November 16, 2000 Prilliman arranged for and murdered Sharon Bagley because he believed that Bagley would testify that she was selling cocaine base for him.

Prilliman faces a possible death penalty or a maximum term of life in prison for the intentional killing during a drug trafficking crime; a maximum sentence of life in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; and 40 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for distribution of controlled substances. The defendant had his initial appearance in U.S. District Court at 3:00 p.m. today.

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 praised the investigative work performed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Baltimore Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Wallner and Gregory Welsh, who are prosecuting the case.