Baltimore Heroin Dealer Exiled to over 15 Years in Prison

Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Keith Antoine Jones, age 28, of Baltimore, today to 188 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. Judge Quarles enhanced Jones’ sentence upon finding that he was an armed career criminal based on two previous narcotics convictions and a conviction for resisting arrest.

According to Jones’ plea agreement, on April 15, 2008, a search warrant was executed at Jones’ resident in the 7900 block of Marfield Place and agents recovered 111.7 grams of heroin from locations within the residence. Agents also seized gelatin capsules, baggies, sifters and other paraphernalia used in the distribution of narcotics; a Ruger .45 caliber handgun; and approximately $20,924 in cash. Agents also recovered Jones’ fingerprints on an oval table and a metal bowl, both of which contained heroin residue.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger and Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Gayle, the Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein commended Special Assistant United States Attorney Christine Celeste, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to EXILE cases, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano, who are prosecuting the case.