Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge has sentenced Brian Blackston, 32, to 70 months in prison for his role as a drug distributor for the Monument Street Drug Trafficking Organization. The sentence, announced by U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, marks the culmination of an extensive investigation into one of Baltimore’s most notorious street-level drug rings.
Blackston was identified by investigators as a key figure in the OTM DTO, responsible for acquiring and distributing substances including cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. His plea agreement outlined his involvement in distributing substantial quantities of drugs, with the potential to distribute up to two kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances.
The DEA’s Strike Force Group 1 initiated their investigation into the area in 2018, identifying multiple drug trafficking “shops” including the Montford DTO and the OTM DTO. The co-located model of the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force proved effective in targeting organized crime and violent gang activity in the region.
Blackston is the last defendant to be sentenced from this investigation, which involved 25 defendants charged for their involvement in drug trafficking and violence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaRai Everett and James T. Wallner led the prosecution of the case.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their efforts in dismantling this criminal organization and reducing crime in the area. The sentence is a testament to the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Baltimore and the effectiveness of multi-agency collaborations.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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