BALTIMORE, MD – Heather Lynn Carter, 30, of Columbia, Maryland, known on the streets as “Hunnilyn,” is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 63 months for her role in a violent racketeering conspiracy linked to the Bloods gang operating in Howard County. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III also tacked on five years of supervised release following Carter’s incarceration.
The sentence, announced by U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein, ATF Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan, Howard County Police Chief Gary L. Gardner, Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts, and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino, concludes a long-term investigation into the Bloods’ activities. The investigation revealed a pattern of violence used to maintain discipline within the gang and to target rivals. The feds were initially tipped off by a brazen robbery of a confidential informant in Columbia back in November 2011.
According to court documents, Carter’s descent into gang life began in 2007 with a romantic relationship with Anthony Preston, a high-ranking Bloods leader of the “Swann” set. Preston allegedly pulled Carter into the fold, making her a “Ruby” – a female member of the gang – and she proudly displayed her affiliation with both a “Ruby” tattoo and a five-pointed star. The investigation, bolstered by four court-ordered wiretaps, painted a picture of Carter actively participating in the gang’s criminal enterprises.
Carter wasn’t just a figurehead. She peddled prescription pills, specifically oxycodone, referring customers to Preston and making deals herself. She also moved crack cocaine at Preston’s direction, eventually supplying it to fellow gang member Michael Johnson, a/k/a “Ace,” a/k/a “Bloody Mike.” The investigation revealed she was present during violent acts committed by Bloods members, including a February 2012 assault and armed robbery of a rival gang member. She also sheltered a firearm belonging to a gang member in her home.
But Carter’s involvement didn’t stop at drug dealing and witnessing violence. She actively obstructed justice, lying to federal agents in an attempt to help Michael Johnson evade arrest on a federal warrant. In February 2012, when agents arrived at Carter’s residence to apprehend Johnson, she falsely claimed she hadn’t seen him in days and had no way to contact him. Phone records quickly exposed the lie, revealing she’d called Johnson shortly after the agents left. Law enforcement traced Carter to a Hanover motel where she’d rented a room for Johnson, allowing him to slip away before they arrived.
The initial spark for this case was a failed gun deal. ATF agents were planning a controlled purchase of firearms from Johnson when he instead directed other gang members, including Bryan Mays, to rob the CI. The incident triggered the wider investigation that ultimately brought down Carter and exposed the Bloods’ criminal network in Howard County. The 63-month sentence sends a clear message: aiding and abetting a violent gang will carry serious consequences.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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