BALTIMORE, MD – Travis Alewine, a/k/a “Sticks,” 30, of Baltimore, is facing over two decades behind bars after being sentenced to 253 months in federal prison for his role in a deadly racketeering conspiracy. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, stems from Alewine’s membership in the “Hillside” gang, a notorious crew operating in the Cherry Hill neighborhood.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Hillside functioned as a ruthless drug operation, peddling powder and crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and marijuana throughout Cherry Hill and parts of west and southwest Baltimore. The profits weren’t just for lining pockets; they were funneled directly into firearms and fueled a relentless campaign of violence against rival gangs – specifically Up Da Hill (“UDH”), the Lakebrook Circle Boys, and anyone else who dared encroach on Hillside’s territory. The gang maintained stash houses for drug packaging and operated with impunity, leaving a trail of robberies, shootings, and ultimately, murder.
The most damning evidence revealed that Alewine and three other Hillside members carried out the execution of Anthony Cureton, a man they wrongly identified as a UDH affiliate. Armed with a .45-caliber firearm, they opened fire on Cureton, also attempting to murder a nearby individual. Beyond the murder, Alewine was found to be in possession of loaded firearms, including a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a .44-caliber revolver, and actively involved in the distribution of narcotics. Prosecutors argued Alewine was reasonably aware Hillside was responsible for trafficking significant quantities of drugs: between one and three kilograms of heroin; 280 grams to 840 grams of crack cocaine; and five to fifteen kilograms of cocaine.
The case represents a major crackdown on the Hillside gang, with all 21 defendants charged in the conspiracy now having pleaded guilty. Alewine and co-defendant Deaven Cherry attempted to evade justice, becoming fugitives after their indictment. Cherry was apprehended in 2020 and received a 21-year federal prison sentence on April 17, 2023. Other Hillside members have already been sentenced to terms ranging up to 30 years. The sentencing of Alewine marks a significant blow to the gang’s operations.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron announced the sentence alongside Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, and Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough. The investigation was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program dedicated to reducing violent crime and improving community safety.
The PSN program, a cornerstone of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, aims to unite all levels of law enforcement with the communities they serve. While the sentencing of Alewine offers a degree of closure, the ongoing battle against gang violence in Baltimore continues, with law enforcement vowing to dismantle these criminal enterprises and restore peace to the city’s beleaguered neighborhoods.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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