Four In Cumberland Indicted On Drug Conspiracy Charges
14 Guns Seized, Including Three Assault Rifles
Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted Benjamin Lee, age 24; Andrew Delawder, age 26; Angel Page, age 21, and Darlene Lee, age 56, all of Cumberland, Maryland, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, marijuana and cocaine from at least October 2008 to September 21, 2009, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. The indictment was returned on October 22, 2009 and the defendants were arrested today.
“ATF stands united with our partners to shield our neighborhoods from illicit possession and trafficking of firearms,” says ATF Special Agent in Charge Theresa R. Stoop. “We are committed to the citizens of Maryland to make our communities safer, and free from firearms and drug trafficking crimes.”
According to the nine count indictment, Benjamin Lee, Delawder and Page are also charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack and powder cocaine; and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Benjamin Lee is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Benjamin Lee and Delawder are charged with manufacturing and possession with the intent to manufacture marijuana and marijuana plants. Finally, the indictment alleges that Darlene Lee knowingly maintained a residence for the purpose of drug distribution.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the14 guns seized in this case, including three assault weapons. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $416,000, which is alleged to be the proceeds of the drug dealing and property used in the commission of the crimes, including the residence maintained by Darlene Lee, several vehicles, including two Cadillacs owned by Benjamin Lee, an ATV and a dirt bike.
All of the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for the drug conspiracy. Benjamin Lee, Delawder and Page face a maximum penalty of life in prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack and powder cocaine and for conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Benjamin Lee faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Darlene Lee faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for maintaining a residence for drug distribution. The defendants are scheduled to have an initial appearance in federal district court in Baltimore today starting at 3:00 p.m. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Maryland State Police, Cumberland Police Department, Frostburg Police Department, Frostburg University Police Department, the Allegany County Bureau of Police, the Allegany Combined County Criminal Investigations (C3I) - Narcotics Unit and Allegany County State's Attorney Michael O. Twigg and his office for their work in this investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorney Peter M. Nothstein, who is prosecuting the case.