From the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baltimore:
U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Eric Maurice Clanton, age 35, of Edgewood, Maryland today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Ellerman of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler; Chief Henry Trabert of the Aberdeen Police Department; Bel Air Police Interim Chief Jack Meckley; Chief Teresa Walter of the Havre de Grace Police Department; and Harford County State’s Attorney Joseph I. Cassilly.
According to his plea agreement, as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking, the Harford County Narcotics Task Force intercepted cellular telephone calls and text messages from members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Harford County. Based on the intercepted calls and texts, Eric Clanton was identified as a member of the organization.
For example on August 26, 2014, investigators intercepted a series of text messages between Clanton and a co-conspirator in which they discussed Clanton and a courier traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to obtain cocaine. Clanton also discussed which source of supply to use. On September 27, 2014, Clanton and a courier traveled to Philadelphia to meet with a cocaine source of supply. An intercepted conversation between the source and Clanton revealed that Clanton had paid the source $63,410, but owed the source another $190. Based on Clanton’s conversation with the source, law enforcement believes Clanton purchased approximately two kilograms of cocaine, since the cost of a kilogram of cocaine at that time was $30,000 to $35,000.
On October 6, 2014, Clanton and a courier again traveled to Philadelphia to meet the same source of supply. The vehicle operated by Clanton was stopped on its return to Maryland. A search of the vehicle recovered approximately 1.25 kilograms of cocaine.
Clanton admits that he made numerous trips to Philadelphia to obtain cocaine, which was then transported to Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties, where Clanton and other members of the conspiracy redistributed the drugs. During his participation in the conspiracy, Clanton was responsible for the distribution of at least five kilograms of cocaine.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore and Harford County Narcotics Task Force, comprised of members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Aberdeen Police Department, Bel Air Police Department, Havre de Grace Police Department and the Harford County States Attorney’s Office. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
I always suspected the aerostat, aka, Harford County’s own blimp, was being used as a surveillance device. If law enforcement thought Mr. Clanton purchased about two kilograms of cocaine, based on the $63,410 he paid his Philadelphia connection, what happened to the approximately 0.75 kilograms between Philadelphia and Maryland, prior to his arrest? It amazes me that folks still trust cell phones and social media to conduct unlawful, clandestine activities. Why wasn’t this guy arrested in Philadelphia as soon as the deal went down? If the DEA is involved doesn’t that fall under federal jurisdiction, allowing an arrest to be made anywhere? Heck, we’ve got DEA personnel all over the world, partying with those that are manufacturing unlawful substances, as in the recent controversy in Colombia. If Mr. Clanton’s crimes involved five or more kilograms, where were the remaining 3.75 kilos? Did he just tell law enforcement, “Oh my, I’ve been buying and selling far more cocaine than you caught me with.” So, Mr. Clanton, who at 35 years of age, was dealing drugs. He hadn’t found a career yet that didn’t involve evading the police. Now, he’s going to The Big House for who knows how long, even though his sentence is ten years. Say he were to serve his full time. What is the man going to do when he’s released and is now a convicted felon? I’m not blaming law enforcement, they are doing the job(s) society has tasked them with. If we really want to eliminate drugs that pharmaceutical companies don’t manufacture, wouldn’t it be easier to destroy the raw materials from where they originate? This morning, I’ve heard multiple times on the news how medical marijuana is much closer to becoming a legal reality in Maryland. I understand the difference between cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etcetera. My point as to all my typing is the war which has been waged on drugs, for decades, is rather selective as to who gets charged and the time they serve.
Its conspiracy, that means he was planning to do so or did so, but none of the cocaine was seized. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=conspiracy+definition
And if SoulCrusher was better at reading he would be able to read that it was “Conspiracy to DISTRIBUTE” and that the cocaine was indeed seized….
I was replying to “K” and his comments. Not the article. I assumed that anyone with a 2nd grade education could see that, but obviously I was wrong.
First graders should never make those assumptions.
You’re probably right. But, you’re still a useless tool and a waste of air.
…now, now, kids… Good Job! on responding to a comment without referring to Mr. Marston. Yay! Gold star for Solecism!
But next time, try to be witty without the name calling and assumptions.
Now, run along outside and get some sun…. you’re a little pasty and the vitamin D might help your outlook….
Andy Griffith fan huh. Man, you just showed your age. I guess I just did too. So tell me Helen, why did you wait until Mayberry RFD to marry Sheriff Taylor? I always wanted to know the answer to that question……..
That’s a very forward question…. but since it was politely phrased….
Andy and I waited for several reasons…
Given the age difference, he needed the assurance of time…. and, Opie, of course.