Authorities said Baltimore’s network distributed hundreds of kilograms of marijuana, cocaine and heroin in southern Ohio and Lexington, Ky.
A jury convicted Baltimore on Nov. 24 after a five-week trial. Baltimore was convicted of: one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; one count of conspiracy to launder money; and one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, said Carter Stewart, U.S. attorney for the Southern District.
Testimony from 60 witnesses said Baltimore operated a number of businesses including an automobile dealership, Prestige Imports of Dayton, as a way to conceal the proceeds from drug trafficking.
Baltimore was also involved in at least two shootings in connection with drug trafficking, including hiring someone to shoot a drug customer who refused to pay him.
Baltimore used proceeds to support Baltimore Properties and bought eight pieces of real estate in the Cincinnati area using the name of his 85-year old grandmother. He received kickbacks at closing from the loan proceeds.
Baltimore made false statements on loan applications to buy the properties at inflated prices, Stewart added.
Baltimore has been in federal custody since his arrest by DEA agents on Oct. 29, 2007.
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