Attorney General Brown Announces Sentencing of 2 Leaders of Violent Criminal Organization in Baltimore City

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On March 17, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the sentencing of James Brunson, 41 of Baltimore for conspiring to supervise a criminal organization, among other charges. Brunson and co-defendant Ernest Hudson, 38, also of Baltimore, were the leaders of a violent drug trafficking organization that was operating in the city of Baltimore, primarily in the Shipley Hill, Booth-Boyd, and Fayette Street neighborhoods.

Ultimately, 33 individuals were charged for their various roles in the organization, primarily for the distribution of controlled dangerous substances, including fentanyl, as well as firearm charges. The charges stemmed from a 16-month long investigation by the Baltimore Police Department, which was led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit. The investigation was part of Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS).

“All Marylanders deserve to live in safe, thriving communities free from the threat of violence,” said Attorney General Brown. “This case is a testament to our relentless pursuit of those who flood our neighborhoods with deadly drugs and firearms. Cases like this one that remove guns, drugs, and dangerous people from our streets make our communities safer and serve as a clear warning: if you choose to spread violence and terrorize our neighbors, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and you will be held fully accountable.”

“GVRS continues to allow us to pursue the violent groups who are most responsible for harming our communities,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “While we offer those at the highest risk of violence a way out of the life through services and life coaching, we have to balance support for those who want it with accountability for those who make the choice to continue to use guns and participate in violent groups. This strategy continues to work because of the dedication, commitment, and follow-through of all our law enforcement and violence intervention partners. I want to thank Attorney General Brown, BPD, and all of our partners for their tireless work to ensure those who make the wrong choices face the consequences of their actions and continue to help us make historic progress in violence reduction in Baltimore.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that violent crime has no place in our city,” said Police Commissioner Worley. “I want to personally thank the dedicated officers of the Baltimore Police Department and our law enforcement partners for their relentless commitment to making our communities safer. Their hard work and collaboration were instrumental and we will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle criminal organizations and protect the people of Baltimore.”

“This announcement is only possible through strong collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office, BPD, and partners across the justice system. Together, we are sharing a clear, unified message that there will be accountability for continuing to engage in violence,” said Stefanie Mavronis, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE). “We will diligently continue our work to keep people safe, alive, and free through life-changing, real-time interventions for those at the highest risk of involvement in violence.”

On Aug. 12, 2024, Hudson pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Jennifer Schiffer of the Baltimore City Circuit Court to several charges, including supervising a criminal organization, distribution of a large amount of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Hudson was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with the first 5 years to be served without the possibility of parole.

The investigation revealed that Hudson was a high-ranking member of the organization and distributed large volumes of controlled dangerous substances to individuals, including undercover detectives. Hudson also helped to supply others, including other members of the organization with controlled dangerous substances, including mixtures containing fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, heroin, tramadol, 4-anilino-n-phenethylpiperidine (4-ANPP), 6-monoacctylmorphine, and cocaine. Hudson also frequently possessed handguns and bragged about his involvements in shootings and other violence.

On March 10, Brunson, another high-ranking member of the organization, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge John Addison Howard of the Baltimore City Circuit Court to several charges, including conspiring to supervise a criminal organization and the illegal possession of a regulated firearm. The State recommended a sentence of 20 years. Brunson was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison, with the first 15 years suspended in favor of 3 years of supervised probation. Brunson will serve the first 5 years of that sentence without the possibility of parole.

In addition to Hudson and Brunson, the following members of the organization have pleaded guilty and been sentenced: Antonio Ben, 36, of Baltimore; Derrick Brown, 56, of Parkville; Terrell Cash, 43, of Baltimore; Alicia Evans, 36, of Baltimore; Tramaine Evans, 36, of Baltimore; Jeshaiah Gibson, 28, of Baltimore; Javon Groomes, 30, of Taneytown; Keith Hardy, 29, of Windsor Mill; Damon Hite, 47, of Windsor Mill; Jashawn Johnson, 28, of Baltimore; Antwan Jones, 24, of Baltimore; Tony McClamy, 38, of Baltimore; Dea’ndre McCormick, 30, of Baltimore; Keith Miller, 35, of Baltimore; Troy Moore, 35, of Baltimore; Malik Richardson, 30, of Landsowne; James Sanders, 40, of Baltimore; Clifford Sellman, 54, of Baltimore; Corey Smith-Rosenboro, 33, of Baltimore; Andra Smother, 43, of Middle River; Tyrone Stuckey, 38, of Baltimore; Earl Tates, 42, of Baltimore; Kirk Taylor, 45, of Baltimore; Dex Williams, 44, of Baltimore; and James Woodfolk, 27, of Baltimore.

Three cases remain open where the defendants have outstanding warrants for their arrest and have not yet been apprehended. Those individuals are Nicholas Jones, Lamont Laws-Rosenboro, and Shytia Moody.