BGF Gang Member Exiled To 9 Years In Prison For Heroin Distribution Conspiracy

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr., sentenced Rodney Russell, age 52, of Baltimore, today to nine years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.

According to Russell’s plea agreement, beginning sometime in July 2012 and continuing through November 2013 and after, the Russell conspired with others to obtain and distribute heroin in and around the Park Heights and Belvedere neighborhood of Baltimore.  During the period of the conspiracy, the investigation showed that Russell was a member of the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF), and received money and drugs from the street level drug distribution shop operated by other members of BGF in the Park Heights and Belvedere neighborhood, as well as selling his own heroin at that location.

During the time of the conspiracy Russell is responsible for the distribution of between one and three kilograms of heroin.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney James T. Wallner, who prosecuted the case.