Rodney Mondell Coby, Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy, Maryland 2023

Greenbelt, Maryland — A federal jury has convicted Rodney Mondell Coby, 31, of Waldorf, Maryland, on federal charges of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The conviction was announced by United States Attorney Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry.

According to the evidence presented at his seven-day trial, Rodney Mondell Coby and his co-defendant, Steven Jerome, distributed fentanyl to an individual on September 6, 2017, resulting in the death of the victim. The evidence also proved that Rodney Mondell Coby distributed fentanyl on November 29, 2017, resulting in the death of a second victim.

On April 13, 2018, law enforcement recovered five firearms from Rodney Mondell Coby’s apartment, including a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. The jury determined that Rodney Mondell Coby possessed the .45-caliber pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking. A search warrant at Rodney Mondell Coby’s apartment recovered over 200 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, over 40 grams of cocaine base, 12 cell phones, a money counter, four digital scales, over $22,000 in U.S. currency, and jewelry including a Rolex, gold chain, and gold and diamond grills.

Rodney Mondell Coby faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. He also faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for the conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Rodney Mondell Coby had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The conviction is a significant blow to the fentanyl trafficking ring and serves as a warning to others who engage in similar activities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/southern-maryland-man-convicted-after-one-week-trial-federal-fentanyl-distribution