James Brunson, 41, and Ernest Hudson, 38, were sentenced for leading a violent drug trafficking organization in Baltimore, following a 16-month investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit. A total of 33 individuals were charged in connection with the organization, with several already sentenced for crimes related to drug distribution, firearms offenses, and participation in a criminal organization.
Per the news release distributed Monday, March 17: “Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced the sentencing of James Brunson, 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, 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 August 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, parafluorofentanyl, heroin, tramadol, 4-anilino-n-phenethylpiperidine (4-ANPP), 6-monoacetylmorphine, and cocaine. Hudson also frequently possessed handguns and bragged about his involvement in shootings and other violence.
On March 10, 2025, 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:
Defendant Sentencing Overview:
- Antonio Ben, 36, of Baltimore – 2 years (Participation in a criminal organization, drug distribution)
- Darrick Brown, 56, of Parkville – 14 years, with all but 18 months suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- Terrell Cash, 43, of Baltimore – 20 years, with all but 4 years suspended, 3 years supervised probation
- Alicia Evans, 36, of Baltimore – 6 months and 19 days (Participation in a criminal organization)
- Tramaine Evans, 23, of Baltimore – 4 years, with all but 192 days suspended
- Jeshaiah Gibson, 28, of Baltimore – 6 months and 14 days (Participation in a criminal organization)
- Javon Groomes, 30, of Taneytown – 3 years, with all but 4 days suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- Keith Hardy, 29, of Windsor Mill – 2 years, with all but 4 months suspended, 3 years supervised probation
- Damon Hite, 47, of Windsor Mill – 8 years, with all but 143 days suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- Jashawn Johnson, 28, of Baltimore – 12 years, with all but 2 years suspended, 3 years supervised probation
- Antwan Jones, 24, of Baltimore – 6 years (Drug distribution)
- Tony McClamy, 38, of Baltimore – 3 years and 4 months (Participation in a criminal organization)
- Dea’ndre McCormick, 30, of Baltimore – 3 years, with all but 2 years and 5 days suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- Keith Miller, 35, of Baltimore – 20 years, with all but 4 years suspended, 3 years supervised probation
- Troy Moore, 35, of Baltimore – 8 years, with all but 10 months and 26 days suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- Damon Patterson, 40, of Baltimore – 6 years, with all but 458 days suspended, 3 years supervised probation
- Malik Richardson, 30, of Lansdowne – 5 years, with all but 4 years, 2 months, and 14 days suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- James Sanders, 40, of Baltimore County – 10 years, with all but 8 years suspended, first 5 years without parole, 3 years supervised probation
- Clifford Sellman, 54, of Baltimore – 5 years (Drug charges)
- Corey SmithRosenboro, 33, of Baltimore – 2 years (Drug distribution)
- Andra Smother, 43, of Middle River – 15 years, with all but 5 years without parole suspended, 3 years supervised probation
- Tyrone Stuckey, 38, of Baltimore – 2 years
- Earl Tates, 42, of Baltimore – 5 years, with all but 1 year suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- Dex Williams, 44, of Baltimore – 5 years, with all but 1 year and 8 days suspended, 2 years supervised probation
- James Woodfolk, 27, of Baltimore – 10 years, with all but 7 months and 5 days suspended, 3 years supervised probation
Three cases remain open, with Nicholas Jones, Lamont Laws-Rosenboro, and Shytia Moody still wanted on outstanding warrants.
Attorney General Brown thanked his team, the Baltimore Police Department, Mayor Scott’s office, the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, and Governor Wes Moore for their collaboration in the case.