Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury indicted Michael Ronnell Wells, a/k/a “Big Mike,” age 23, of Churchville, Maryland, yesterday for conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute narcotics; conspiracy to possess and possession of a firearm in furtherance of narcotics trafficking; and illegal possession of a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to the five count indictment, from at least November 2005 through January 26, 2008 Wells was involved in a conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine. In addition, the indictment alleges that Wells conspired to possess and possessed a 9 mm pistol and a .44 caliber pistol to assist in his distribution of crack cocaine. The indictment alleges that Wells was prohibited from owning a firearm due to a previous felony conviction.

Wells faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years on each of the narcotics charges; 20 years in prison for conspiracy to possess firearms; 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm; and five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for a first conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of narcotics trafficking and 25 years consecutive upon a subsequent conviction. No court appearance is currently scheduled and Wells remains detained on related state charges.

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 thanked the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigative work. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorney Jefferson M. Gray, who is prosecuting the case.