In a significant development, James Henry Roberts, also known as “Bub,” has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in the Southwest Baltimore “NFL” gang. The gang, operating in the Edmondson Village area, engaged in a racketeering conspiracy that included murder and drug distribution. Roberts, a member of the gang, admitted to obtaining and distributing large amounts of heroin and cocaine, as well as paying gang members to commit multiple murders on behalf of the enterprise. With over 30 defendants already sentenced in this case, this conviction marks a significant victory in the fight against organized crime in the area.
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Background
Member of Southwest Baltimore “NFL” Gang Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder
Summary of the Case
In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, a member of the notorious Southwest Baltimore “NFL” gang has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in a racketeering conspiracy that included murder and drug distribution. James Henry Roberts, also known as “Bub,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin. This sentencing marks a major victory for law enforcement agencies and underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.
Key People Involved
James Henry Roberts
United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron
Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office
Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Baltimore District Office
Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department
Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department
The successful prosecution of this case would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of several key individuals. James Henry Roberts, the defendant in this case, played a central role in the criminal activities of the NFL gang, and his sentencing sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron, worked tirelessly to bring this case to justice. The FBI Baltimore Field Office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski, and the DEA Baltimore District Office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, provided invaluable support throughout the investigation.
Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department, and Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department also played crucial roles in ensuring the success of this operation.
Details of the Case
Membership in the NFL Gang
The NFL gang operated in the Edmondson Village area of Southwest Baltimore and was involved in various illegal activities. James Henry Roberts was a member of this gang and actively participated in its criminal endeavors.
Illegal Activities of the NFL Gang
The NFL gang was involved in a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking and murder. These activities posed a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the communities in Southwest Baltimore.
Drug Distribution Conspiracy
One of the primary illegal activities of the NFL gang was drug distribution. Roberts and other gang members distributed large quantities of heroin and cocaine to customers and re-distributors across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. This drug distribution conspiracy played a major role in fueling addiction and violence in the affected areas.
Specific Murders Committed by Roberts
Roberts confessed to participating in multiple murders on behalf of the NFL gang. He paid gang members and associates to carry out these killings. One such murder was of Victim 1, whom Roberts believed was cooperating with law enforcement. Another murder involved Victim 3, for whom Roberts offered a bounty. These acts of violence demonstrate the ruthlessness and danger posed by the NFL gang.
Co-conspirator Involvement in Murders
Several co-conspirators were involved in the murders committed by Roberts on behalf of the NFL gang. These individuals played a significant role in carrying out the acts of violence and perpetuating the criminal activities of the gang.
Number of Defendants and Sentences in Related Cases
In addition to James Henry Roberts, there were more than 30 defendants involved in this case and related cases. These individuals have pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from 30 years to time served. These convictions and sentences highlight the effectiveness of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle organized crime networks.
Involvement of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF program aims to identify, disrupt, and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that pose a significant threat to the United States. Through a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach, OCDETF leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime.
Involvement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)
The successful prosecution of the NFL gang member was made possible in part by the involvement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is a program that brings together law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer. Through collaboration and comprehensive solutions, PSN focuses on identifying the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and addressing them effectively.
Sentencing and Sentence Details
Sentencing Judge – Julie R. Rubin
U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin presided over the sentencing of James Henry Roberts. Judge Rubin carefully considered the severity of the crimes committed by Roberts and handed down a sentence that reflects the gravity of his actions.
Length of Sentence – 30 Years
James Henry Roberts was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. This significant prison term underscores the seriousness of his involvement in the racketeering conspiracy, including murder and drug distribution.
Supervised Release – 5 Years
In addition to the 30-year prison sentence, Roberts will also be subject to supervised release for a period of 5 years following his release from prison. This supervised release will serve as a mechanism to monitor and support his reintegration into society and reduce the risk of recidivism.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
Commendation of Investigating Agencies
The successful outcome of this case would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and professionalism of the investigating agencies. The FBI Baltimore Field Office, DEA Baltimore District Office, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Montgomery County Police Department, and Baltimore Police Department deserve commendation for their tireless efforts in bringing the NFL gang member to justice.
Appreciation for Assistant U.S. Attorneys
A special recognition goes to Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr., James T. Wallner, and Robert I. Goldaris, who prosecuted the case. Their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our communities is commendable.
Additional Information
Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its Priorities
The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to serving the community and promoting public safety. The office prioritizes prosecuting individuals involved in organized crime, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses to protect the residents of Maryland and uphold the rule of law.
Available Community Resources
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland provides various resources to assist the community. These resources aim to support crime victims, promote education and awareness, and foster collaboration between law enforcement and the community. For more information on available resources, visit the official website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Contact Information
Contact for Media Inquiries – Marcia Lubin
For media inquiries, please contact Marcia Lubin at (410) 209-4854. Marcia Lubin is the designated point of contact for media-related queries and can provide additional information or arrange for interviews with relevant parties.
Updated Date of Press Release
This press release was last updated on June 20, 2023. The information contained in this release is accurate as of this date.
Related Topics
The sentencing of James Henry Roberts and the dismantling of the NFL gang are part of broader efforts to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and violence in our communities. Related topics include drug trafficking, gang violence, organized crime, and the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety.
Related Content
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This case is not an isolated incident, and law enforcement agencies are actively working to dismantle criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Recent related cases include the sentencing of a father and son for a drug trafficking conspiracy, a Baltimore felon pleading guilty to armed robberies, and the sentencing of a Baltimore man for gunpoint robberies. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts to remove dangerous individuals from our communities and hold them accountable for their actions.
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Main Office Address
Location of Main Office – 36 S. Charles Street 4th Fl. Baltimore, MD 21201
Location of Southern Division – 6406 Ivy Lane Suite 800 Greenbelt, MD 20770
The main office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is located at 36 S. Charles Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Southern Division can be found at 6406 Ivy Lane, Suite 800, Greenbelt, MD 20770. These locations serve as important hubs for the office’s operations and provide convenient access for community members and stakeholders.
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