BALTIMORE – A federal jury convicted a Washington, DC, man of multiple drug-trafficking and firearm crimes.
The jury found Ronthany Ward, 60, guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and phencyclidine; possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty verdict with Acting Special Agent in Charge Shane K. Todd, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
During the four-day trial, the evidence showed that Ward was a member of a large-scale drug- trafficking operation based in Prince George’s County, Maryland. In August 2023, while investigating a suspected Baltimore cocaine trafficker, DEA investigators tracked the intended target from Baltimore to a remote parking lot in National Harbor, Maryland. The target met with two unknown men in an SUV. Since investigators didn’t know who the other men were, they ran the vehicle’s registration and learned it was registered to Ward.
Following the five-minute meeting, the target drove back to Baltimore as investigators followed. The target led investigators to a Baltimore apartment complex where he removed three duffle bags. Investigators then approached the target and observed drugs through a rip in one of the bags. Law enforcement arrested the target and discovered 43 kilograms of cocaine stuffed in the bags.
After law enforcement learned that the drugs came from Ward’s drug operation, the DEA began investigating Ward. Investigators then identified a Fort Washington, Maryland residence as the drug operation’s stash house. The residence is also where Ward lived with his minor child.
Additionally, Ward and his minor child were present when investigators found two loaded firearms on the top of a refrigerator and another firearm on the kitchen floor during a search. Ward is prohibited from possessing firearms due to two prior drug-related felony convictions.
During the search, law enforcement also discovered 63 grams of fentanyl powder on a kitchen counter; additional fentanyl and 68 grams of heroin inside of a kitchen freezer; 125 grams of cocaine inside his bedroom closet; and a drug ledger in the basement documenting the 43-kilogram cocaine transaction on August 30. Investigators also searched Ward’s car and found additional fentanyl powder packaged in small baggies, counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl, phencyclidine, and additional cocaine packaged in small baggies.
Ward is facing life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of five years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, which shall be imposed consecutive to any other sentence. He also faces an additional mandatory minimum of five years in connection with his drug-trafficking counts, which are punishable up to 40 years, and up to 15 years for the unlawful firearm charge. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, at 3 p.m.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, HSI, IRS, BPD, BCPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin C. Miner and Stanton M.B. Lawyer who are prosecuting the federal case, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Briana Scarborough, for her assistance and legal support.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.
Going to be lots of people going without their substance of choice after this bust. The approach to policing dr*g dealing runs the gambit around the world. Some countries in Asia will give you a death sentence for a few grams. Other countries give you a safe place to partake in your substance of choice.
What’s the answer?