8 Indicted by Federal Grand Jury in Annapolis Drug Ring

A federal grand jury indicted eight and charged 22 involved in a drug ring in Annapolis and other parts of Anne Arundel County, the Maryland US Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms served federal search warrants at 10 locations and seven vehicles, and 22 defendants charged in state court, according to a press release from the state's attorney's office.

Agencies involved included the Annapolis Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office, the release stated.

"We, as a police department and a community, will not tolerate the illegal sale of drugs or guns within our City," said Chief Michael Pristoop of the Annapolis Police Department. "Removing these offenders from our streets was a top priority and certainly a step on the right direction."

Acting Chief of the Anne Arundel County Police Department Lt. Colonel Pamela R. Davis thanked all agencies involved in the partnership to bring the case to closure.

"A disproportionate amount of violent crimes with a connection to illegal drugs is often committed by a small percentage of individuals. The community can immediately take solace in knowing that these individuals have been removed from their neighborhoods," Davis said.

The following defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine:

• Ernest Lee Harmon, 36, of Baltimore
• Dontaye Lee Harmon, 39, of Baltimore
• Damian Leron Brown, 37, of Annapolis
• Jessica Knode, 27, of Crofton

Two defendants charged in this indictment are still being sought, and their names have not been unsealed.

Ernest Lee Harmon and Dontaye Lee Harmon also were charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Ernest Lee Harmon and Damian Leron Brown are charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin.

The defendants face a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for the drug conspiracy. Dontaye Lee Harmon and Damian Brown also face a maximum of 20 years in prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine or heroin. Ernest Lee Harmon faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.

In related indictments, Corrie Flannigan, 19, of Annapolis, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon; and Jimolo Coates, 20, of Annapolis, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

Flannigan and Coates each face a maximum of 10 years in prison for possession of a firearm and/or ammunition by a previously convicted felon.