News Release
February 2, 2006
Contact: PIO Laura DiCesare
(202) 305-8093

Nine Indicted in Maryland Drug Conspiracy

FEB 2-- SAC Shawn A. Johnson of DEA’s Washington Division announced that an indictment was returned by a federal grand jury charging a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack). The indictment was returned on January 23, 2006.

As unsealed, the one-count indictment charges the following individuals, who were arrested today, with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, specifically cocaine and crack: Darrin Antoine Chase, age 37, of Brandywine, Maryland; Kevin Bernard Minor, age 46, of Gaithersburg, Maryland; Kenneth Cortez Minor, age 44, of Washington, D.C.; Keith Eugene Campbell, age 36, of Rockville, Maryland; Keisha Shaunic Johnson, age 31, of Rockville, Maryland; Troy Otis Gray, age 37, of Frederick, Maryland; Jerrod Darnel Clanton, age 34, of Washington, D.C.; Eric Edward Ring, age 35, of Rockville, Maryland; and Brandon O’Neil Hall, age 23, of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The indictment also seeks to forfeit $2 million of proceeds traceable to the conspiracy, as well, as vehicles that were also used by the conspirators to facilitate the drug distribution.

The defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $4 million fine. They were scheduled for initial appearances this afternoon, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA Washington Division and the Montgomery County Department of Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Donna Sanger and Barbara Skalla are prosecuting the case.