Case Explained: More than 200 arrested, multiple federal indictments filed in Baltimore crime crackdown – Legal Perspective

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Federal prosecutors announced sweeping charges and arrests following a large-scale, targeted law-enforcement operation across the Baltimore area that authorities say focused on violent crime, drug trafficking and organized criminal activity.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland said the coordinated effort, which ran from Jan. 20 through Jan. 31, brought dozens of federal and state charges against numerous defendants.

During that time, law enforcement agencies also arrested more than 200 violent fugitives and individuals affiliated with organized criminal activity throughout the Baltimore area.

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Authorities executed multiple search-and-seizure warrants as part of the operation, which was aimed at combatting violent crime and drug trafficking in Baltimore City.

Federal Indictments

The operation resulted in several federal indictments tied to drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

Zachary Lewis, 36, Dwayne Hamilton, 45, and Elton Jonray Cruickshank, 37, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine between June and October 2025. Lewis also faces firearms-related charges.

The FBI and Baltimore Police Department are investigating the case.

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In a separate case, Donte Sands, 51, and Walter Gardner III, 56, are under indictment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine base. The charges stem from alleged drug activity between April and August 2025. Gardner is additionally charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, including a .40 caliber handgun, a 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle, and a revolver.

The DEA and Baltimore County Police Department are leading that investigation.

Three alleged members of a Baltimore drug trafficking organization — Terrel Tomlin, 36, Michael “M&M” McKay, 55, and Keenan Jackson, 39 — are under indictment for drug trafficking crimes from November 2025 through January 2026. They are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The DEA, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Maryland State Police are investigating the case.

Federal prosecutors also sought charges against more than a dozen other individuals for unrelated drug and firearm offenses, along with a Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act conspiracy connected to MS-13 affiliated crimes.

Operation Baltimore Safeguard

The effort also incorporated Operation Baltimore Safeguard, led by the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force in partnership with the FBI, HSI Maryland and the Baltimore Police Department.

The initiative focused on serving outstanding Maryland state arrest warrants.

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According to officials, Operation Baltimore Safeguard resulted in 239 fugitive arrests, including eight individuals wanted for homicide, 12 for attempted homicide, 18 for robbery, 108 for assault, 13 for weapons-related offenses, 10 for sexual assault, and 26 for drug-related charges. Six of those apprehended were identified as gang associates.

Law enforcement personnel also seized four firearms and 869 grams of narcotics and cleared 264 outstanding warrants during the operation.

In addition to the federal prosecutions, at least 10 additional defendants face charges for various offenses in Maryland state court as a result of the operation.

Officials Praise Collaboration

In statements released with the announcement, law enforcement leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration across agencies.

Kelly O. Hayes – U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland

“This operation makes clear that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to join forces with our law-enforcement partners to execute the united goal of dismantling organizations associated with driving violence and other criminal activity, and prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law,” Hayes said. “This successful operation shows how collaboration and teamwork help combat crime, thereby making our neighborhoods safer.”

Ivan J. Bates – State’s Attorney for Baltimore City

“This operation exemplifies the effectiveness of collaboration among various levels of law enforcement, all working towards the shared mission to disrupt violent crime, dismantle organized criminal networks, and enhance public safety,” Bates said. “By combining the unique resources and expertise of each agency at the federal, state, and local levels, we are successfully removing violent offenders from our streets and holding drug traffickers accountable. Achieving impactful public safety requires partnerships, and this operation showcases our coordinated effort to make Baltimore safer for residents and visitors alike.”

Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge – FBI Baltimore

“The FBI was proud to be part of this effort, combining agents, intelligence analysts, specialized teams and professional staff, with our dedicated law enforcement partners,” Paul said. “Results from this recent operation build on the progress we’ve made over the last few years to drive down crime and we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to make Baltimore safer for everyone.”

Clinton J. Fuchs – U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland

“The U.S. Marshals Service would like to thank all the law enforcement officers involved in this operation for their professionalism, skill, and dedication. Successful operations like this one are a reminder of the value of effective federal, state, and local partnerships in protecting public safety and upholding the rule of law,” Fuchs said. “It should also serve as a reminder that the U.S. Marshals Service and all our law enforcement partners will pursue violent offenders wherever they attempt to hide.”

Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge – DEA

“Violent crime and drugs are undoubtedly connected. Our job is to safeguard the safety and well-being of American communities by actively fighting against all criminal drug networks that inflict harm, violence, and contribute to overdoses and poisonings,” Goumenis said. “Through strategic partnerships with local, state, and international law enforcement agencies, the DEA works tirelessly to dismantle these illicit organizations and, one by one, return the neighbors to the good people of Maryland. We are working for a violence and fentanyl free America.”

Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge – ATF Baltimore

“ATF remains relentless in working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who threaten public safety,” Doerrer said. “Our agents will continue to work every day to keep Baltimore safe and hold those who perpetuate violence accountable.”

Christopher R. Heck, Special Agent in Charge – Homeland Security Investigations Maryland

“Homeland Security Investigations Maryland, in close collaboration with federal partners, supported a surge operation focused on public safety and criminal activity in the Baltimore area. Special agents assisted in the execution of numerous arrest warrants and search warrants for serious offenses as part of ongoing investigations targeting transnational organized crime and illicit narcotics activity. These efforts reflect HSI’s commitment to combating violent crime, dismantling criminal organizations, and protecting the community we serve,” Heck said.

Richard Worley, Commissioner – BPD

“Through continued collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners, efforts such as these are delivering meaningful results,” Worley said. “These operations are essential to our crime-reduction strategy and have a significant impact on removing individuals who threaten public safety and our communities. The outcomes reflect the level of safety and security the people of Baltimore deserve.”