LEONARDTOWN, Md. (July 13, 2010)—The St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) Narcotics Division released the following incident and arrest reports. The Division is an investigative team comprised of detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Drug Enforcement Division and Federal Drug Agents (HIDTA Group 34). The Division was established on September 1st, 2007 and is based in St. Mary’s County.
MANUFACTURING AND SALE OF MARIJUANA: Vice Narcotics detectives began an investigation into the possible manufacturing and sale of marijuana at a Lexington Park home. Enough evidence was uncovered during the investigation that detectives were able to obtain a search and seizure warrant. Upon executing the warrant, numerous marijuana plants were discovered along with other paraphernalia. After a review with State's Attorney Richard D. Fritz, the case was presented to the St. Mary's County Grand Jury and a warrant was issued for Jerry Jerome Estep, Sr., age 41. Suspect Estep was charged with Manufacturing Marijuana.
MANUFACTURING AND SALE OF MARIJUANA: Information was received by Vice Narcotics that Suspect Todd Antonio Foster, Jr., age 20 of Lexington Park, was growing marijuana. A search warrant was obtained and executed by the St. Mary's County Emergency Services Team. Once inside, detectives located seven marijuana plants, 20 individual bags of marijuana, digital scales, packaging material, nearly $1,700 in cash, and two firearms. Suspect Foster was arrested and additional charges are pending a State's Attorney's review.
TWELVE MARIJUANA PLANTS: Vice Narcotics detectives received information that there were several marijuana plants being grown at a residence in Mechanicsville. At the conclusion of the investigation a search and seizure warrant was obtained and executed on the home. Twelve marijuana plants in various stages of cultivation were recovered. Robyn Louise Bowker, age 47, was arrested and charged. The marijuana is estimated at $12,000. There are additional charges pending a review with State's Attorney Richard D. Fritz.
ECSTASY DISTRIBUTION: Vice Narcotics detectives began an investigation into Joseph Vincent Florence, age 20 of Mechanicsville, and his possible drug dealing in the northern portion of St. Mary's County. During the course of the undercover investigation, Suspect Florence did distribute Ecstasy. The case was presented to State's Attorney Richard D. Fritz and then the St. Mary's County Grand Jury where a warrant was issued. Suspect Florence was arrested and charged accordingly.
DISTRIBUTION OF OXYCODONE: As a result of a search and seizure warrant on a Mechanicsville home, William James Jordan, age 33, was indicted on multiple drug charges related to the distribution of oxycodone and conspiring to distribute oxycodone. He turned himself into the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office. He is currently awaiting trial.
CONSPIRING TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA: Michael Joseph Miles II, age 22, was arrested and charged with Conspiring to Distribute Marijuana. Suspect Miles currently has distribution of heroine charges pending as well.
GROWING MARIJUANA: Frederick Charles Ruppertis III, age 44, was indicted as a result of a search and seizure warrant that was executed on his Hollywood home. Suspect Ruppertis was growing marijuana inside the residence.
SMOKING CRACK COCAINE: Undercover officers were conducting an investigation when they observed Lauren Tasha Olsen, age 21, inside of a vehicle. As the detectives continued to observe the suspect, she began smoking crack cocaine. Detectives seized the smoking device and a small amount of crack. The suspect was charged accordingly.
DRUG ARRESTS: Vice Narcotics detectives began an investigation into Michael Bassford and his alleged distribution of prescription medication and cocaine. A search and seizure warrant was obtained and executed on a home in Hollywood. Once inside, detectives located nearly $500 in crack cocaine, 64 methadone pills, a digital scale, and other paraphernalia. Suspect Bassford was arrested. Also in the home was Shannon Parker, age 34 of Piney Point. Suspect Parker was found to be in possession of a smoking device, almost $200 in Methadone pills, and a digital scale. Another person that was related to this investigation was apprehended close to the scene. Ryan Lankford, age 24 of Calvert County, was wanted on an outstanding warrant and he was found to be in possession of Methadone as well. Additional charges against Suspects Bassford and Parker are pending a review with St. Attorney Richard D. Fritz.
DRUG ARREST: Vice Narcotics detectives conducted an investigation into Gary Stephen Hardesty, Jr., age 24, and his possible involvement in drug activity. The Emergency Services Team executed a search and seizure warrant on his Great Mills home. Marijuana, a digital scale, a marijuana plant, and two firearms were seized. Suspect Hardesty Jr. was arrested and charged. Additional charges are pending a State's Attorney review.
COCAINE DISTRIBUTION: Trae Antonio Taylor, age 21 of Lexington Park, was identified as a distributor of cocaine in the Lexington Park area. Several undercover purchases of cocaine were conducted. The case was reviewed by State's Attorney Richard D. Fritz and presented to the St. Mary's County Grand Jury. Three arrest warrants were issued. Suspect Taylor was originally held in a No Bond status.