On Nov. 13, the stand-in attorney for a defendant charged in a gang indictment told Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn that his client needed more time to discuss the plea offer.
Ernest Hudson is facing 134 charges, ranging from attempted first-degree murder to organizing, supervising and financing a criminal organization and possessing a fentanyl-heroin mix with intent to distribute.
The prosecutor gave Hudson, 37, a plea offer of 20 years without the possibility of parole for participation in a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, being a drug kingpin and two counts of distributing narcotics.
Hudson’s stand-in defense attorney, Todd Oppenheim, asked for a continuance because this was a new offer and Hudson’s assigned public defender, Gregory Fischer, needed time to discuss the terms of this agreement with his client. He said that this plea offer could lead to the case’s resolution.
Judge Phinn continued the hearing to Dec. 14 to allow Fischer and Hudson time to consider the offer.
