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HCDC INMATE CONVICTED OF POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE

Date: June 30, 2025
RE: State v. Brandon Randall

On Friday, June 27, 2025, Brandon Randall, 30, of Aberdeen, was convicted of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Contraband With Intent to Distribute, two counts of Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement, and two counts of CDS Possession – Not Cannabis following a three-day jury trial before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented at trial proved that on August 12, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., deputies with the Gang Intelligence Unit of the Harford County Detention Center received an email from Detective DeFazio of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office regarding inmate Brandon Randall. Detective DeFazio informed the deputies that Randall alluded to having contraband in the detention center on a jail call. On that call, the called party stated, “You didn’t have nothing on you, did you?” Randall responded by stating, “Yeah, I got it. I got it like literally. It was easy. That’s how I’m ‘gonna’ eat.”

Deputies conducted a search of Randall’s cell and found a partial sublingual film strip of Suboxone, a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, and a plastic baggie containing seven (7) small yellow containers filled with what was later determined to be Cocaine, a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance.

An expert witness testified that Randall’s statements on the phone call were in reference to him selling contraband to other inmates, and cocaine separated into 7 containers indicates that the containers are meant for distribution.

Following the guilty verdict, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “To continue committing crimes while incarcerated shows a pattern of criminal conduct and a complete disregard for the laws that govern us. I commend the staff of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their diligence in monitoring these calls and the staff of the Harford County Detention Center for ensuring that all illegal contraband is seized and that inmates in possession are held accountable.” Sentencing will be set at a later date.

Additionally, State’s Attorney Healey acknowledges Assistant State’s Attorney Megan Lintott for her efforts in preparing and presenting this case at trial.

LOCAL PHARMACIST CONVICTED OF PRESCRIPTION FRAUD AND AGGRAVATED ANIMAL CRUELTY

Date: July 1, 2025
RE: State v. Ryan Kenneth Ball

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Ryan Kenneth Ball, 38, of Bel Air, pled guilty to one (1) count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and one (1) count of Obtain Prescription by Fraud. The Honorable Judge Paul W. Ishak sentenced Ball to five (5) years, all suspended but one (1) year at the Harford County Detention Center and ordered that the Defendant is prohibited from possessing any animals while on probation.

Evidence presented in support of the plea proved that on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Harford County Deputies responded to a report of Controlled Dangerous Substances found in a trash can. Upon arrival, Deputies found syringes and two prescription vials. One vial’s label was stripped, but ultimately determined to be rocuronium, and the other was labeled “succinylcholine.” Deputies spoke to the caller who advised that they took their trash cans in from the night before and found the vials at the bottom of their trash can. Other homeowners spoke to Deputies and further advised that they learned their neighbor’s dog, Louie, a six-year-old Plott Hound, had just passed away and that the dog’s owner was a pharmacist in the area. The dog owner was identified as Ryan Kenneth Ball.

Harford County Animal Control began an investigation into the death of the dog with the help of Harford County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Animal Control learned that Ball did not like the dog and through their investigation, learned that Ball tried to pay others to take Louie. Animal Control learned that Louie was taken to a local veterinarian for cremation. Animal Control reached out to the veterinarian and was able to stop Louie in transport to the crematorium.

Louie was then sent to the Pennsylvania State University Animal Diagnostic Laboratory for a necropsy. The Director of the Veterinary Forensics Program discovered an area of hemorrhage near the jugular grove of the animal and sent tissue samples to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. The toxicological testing revealed Louie’s heart blood contained 2,400 ng/mL of rocuronium and less than 5 ng/g of succinylcholine. The Penn State University Veterinary Director determined that Louie’s cause of death was due to an overdose of rocuronium, a neuromuscular blocking agent.

It was also revealed that rocuronium and succinylcholine are two drugs generally used in Rapid Sequence Intubation in hospital and emergency medical settings. These drugs are generally used to relax skeletal muscles during surgery, so hospital personnel can operate on a patient. Typically, these drugs are used in combination with sedatives and mechanically assisted ventilation as they can decrease breathing and other vital processes to the extent that death will ensue if ventilation is not supported. The Penn State University Director further opined that the concentration of rocuronium was similar to those reported in humans under full surgical anesthesia with ventilatory support and would have resulted in near-complete neuromuscular paralysis with respiratory failure and death within several minutes of intravenous injection.

Other pharmacy experts consulted during this investigation found that if a patient, such as Louie, were administered these drugs without respiratory support or sedatives, the patient would experience “awareness with paralysis” and would be conscious as the drugs took effect.

Through continued investigation, it was learned that Ryan Kenneth Ball was a licensed pharmacist at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. Records provided by Upper Chesapeake showed that the two vials found in the trash can were prescription drugs ordered by the hospital for routine use. Upper Chesapeake places warning labels on these drugs stating: “WARNING: PARALYZING AGENT. PATIENT MUST BE VENTILATED. CAUSES RESPIRATORY ARREST.” It was ultimately determined that Ball used his access at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center to obtain these drugs and take them home.

Additionally, Ball has been referred to the Board of Pharmacy for a review of his license.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “Medical professionals in this county are placed in a position of extreme trust. Utilizing your license and position in a local hospital to illegally obtain medications and improperly administer them to kill your family dog is a gross violation of the trust placed in this Defendant in his position as a medical professional. Holding the Defendant accountable in this case is important in deterring him and others from future misuse of medications available in the capacity of their employment.”

State’s Attorney Healey expresses her gratitude to Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks for his commitment to the investigation and prosecution of this case. She also commends Animal Control Manager Cajigas and Detective Schueler of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and relentless investigatory efforts in this matter.

HAVRE DE GRACE MAN CONVICTED OF ROBBERY

Date: June 16, 2025
Re: State of Maryland v. Andre James McFarland

On June 9, 2025, Andre James McFarland, 55, of Havre de Grace, was convicted of Robbery, Assault in the 2nd Degree, Theft Less Than $100, Fleeing and Eluding by Vehicle, Fleeing and Eluding by Foot, and Obstructing and Hindering, following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented at trial proved that on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Havre de Grace Officers were dispatched to the Royal Farms located at 803 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, Maryland for the report of a fight. As Officers arrived on scene, witnesses pointed to a vehicle that was leaving resulting in officers giving pursuit. The driver of the vehicle was identified as the Defendant, Andre McFarland. McFarland failed to stop and eventually exited his vehicle and fled from the Officers on foot. Further investigation revealed that the entire incident was captured on surveillance videos from inside and outside the Royal Farms. The videos showed McFarland entering the store, walking behind the counter and trying to push past the store clerk. The clerk put her hands up to hold McFarland back, when he grabbed the clerk by the neck and shirt and violently threw her to the ground. At that time, a customer in the store saw the commotion and tried to assist the store clerk and stop McFarland. The Defendant was not deterred and grabbed two packs of Newport 100 cigarettes before exiting the store. The store clerk and the customer followed McFarland outside and pointed Officers to his vehicle. A warrant was obtained, and Officers reported to McFarland’s last known location on December 26, 2024, where he was observed, and attempts were made to take him into custody. McFarland once again fled, requiring pepper spray and taser deployments before ultimately placing him under arrest.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, McFarland was sentenced to twenty-one (21) years, suspending all but eight (8) years to serve, despite the State’s recommendation for a twenty-five (25) year sentence of active incarceration.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated: “Once again, our office continues to prove that we will take these cases to trial and hold violent offenders accountable. We will settle for nothing less than Harford County citizens feeling safe in our communities. We will not tolerate offenders placing our citizens in danger or committing violent acts upon them in their place of employment and routine locations like convenience stores. We will continue to request significant sentences to remove these offenders from our streets.”

State’s Attorney Healey commends Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta for his efforts and advocacy in this jury trial. She also expresses her sincere gratitude to the Havre de Grace Police Department and Officer Persuhn for their efforts in the investigation and apprehension of this repeat violent offender.

EDGEWOOD MAN CONVICTED OF SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR

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Date: June 5, 2025
Re: State of Maryland v. Harold Ferguson

On June 5, 2025, Harold Ferguson,49, of Edgewood, was convicted of three counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor following a four-day criminal jury trial before the Honorable Alex M. Allman in the Circuit Court for Harford County. This comes after two previous mistrials resulting in hung juries. This conviction also follows a contentious motions hearing between the parties on a Motion for Other Sexually Assaultive Behavior Evidence.

Evidence presented at trial proved that between August 2004 and August 2008, Ferguson sexually abused his then minor stepdaughter almost every day in the family home in Edgewood, Maryland. The abuse began when the minor victim was just six years old when the family lived in Baltimore City and continued until she was a senior in high school. When the family moved to Harford County, the minor child would be home alone with the Defendant, and he would sexually abuse her in the basement while none of the other family members were home. Evidence was further presented proving that the Defendant would punish the victim when she refused his advances by taking away her possessions and the door to her bedroom.

Detective Horner, of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, testified about the investigation and the individuals he interviewed. He advised the jury that he interviewed the victim’s boyfriend in 2021 who told him that he had had a threesome with the Defendant and the victim when they were around the age of sixteen. Detective Horner’s interview of the boyfriend’s statement was played for the members of the jury when he told the Detective he had observed the victim performing oral sex on the Defendant in the basement of the family’s home. Detective Horner testified that he also interviewed the victim’s mother, who was cold and distant. She failed to return for a follow-up interview with him concerning the abuse of her own child.

The victim also testified, stating that everything came to a head one day when she refused the Defendant’s advances, and a physical fight occurred between them involving mace. The victim further advised that the family then headed to a friend’s home in Baltimore City for the minor victim to confide in her mother as to what had been occurring. Testimony was taken from an individual who was present in the home when the victim disclosed the abuse to her mother and testified that the victim’s mother did not call 911, did not take the child to the hospital, and did not console the child. Testimony also revealed that after the family fight, the victim’s mother had her confront the Defendant and he told the mother, “She came on to me.”
The victim’s mother testified on behalf of the Defense, testifying that she did not recall a fight occurring at the family home. On rebuttal, the State played the interview of the Defendant where he told Detective Horner there was a physical altercation between himself, the victim, and her mother.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated: “Delayed report cases are some of the toughest cases we try. I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Becky Malkowski for her perseverance and determination in this case. She never gave up, and she truly is a champion for child sexual abuse victims. Her determination, along with the work of all the dedicated staff of the Harford County Child Advocacy Center, ensured that justice was served today and that a predator will no longer be in a position to victimize another child.”

State’s Attorney Healey also thanks Detective Robert Horner, Forensic Interviewer Alethea Miller, and victim advocates Brenda Leard and Chris Taylor from the Harford County Child Advocacy Center for their hard work and dedication to this case.

MAXIMUM SENTENCE IN NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER CASE

Date: May 30, 2025
Re: State v. Jared Anzelc and Shanna Anzelc

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Jared and Shanna Anzelc were sentenced in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable Judge Alex Allman following their prior guilty pleas in relation to a 2023 Driving Under the Influence incident resulting in the death of eighty-year-old Monkton woman.

Evidence presented in support of those guilty pleas proved that on May 7, 2023, after playing a round of golf at the Mountain Branch Golf Club, Jared Anzelc consumed alcohol at the bar despite being on probation for a 2022 conviction for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and being ordered to abstain from the consumption of any alcohol. After several hours of drinking, Jared called his wife, Shanna, and asked her to come to the golf club. When she arrived, Shanna blew into the interlock system installed on Jared’s vehicle, and he drove off while Shanna followed behind. Approximately 16.9 miles from the golf club, while traveling north on Norrisville Road near the intersection of White Hall Road, Jared crossed over the double yellow line, into the southbound lane. The victim was traveling in the southbound lane, and when she saw Jared’s vehicle heading towards her, she swerved into the northbound lane. Jared swerved in the same direction, causing a head on collision. The victim was airlifted to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, having sustained life-threatening injuries. She later succumbed to those injuries on May 10, 2023.

The victim’s family and friends were present in court for the sentencing hearings and gave emotional and moving victim impact statements both expressing to the court the impact of this tragedy, but also beautifully honoring her life. Ultimately, Judge Allman sentenced Jared Anzelc to the maximum sentence allowable by law for the Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle charge, fifteen years to serve, as well as an additional two years suspended for the DUI Per Se. Following his release, he will be subject to a five-year period of supervised probation. Additionally, Shanna Anzelc was sentenced to ten years, suspending all but three years to serve for Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle, acting as an Accessory Before the Fact. She will also be subject to a period of three years of supervised probation upon release.

Following the sentencing State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey, commented: “This loss of life was a completely preventable and a senseless tragedy. Jared and Shanna Anzelc’s blatant disregard for the law and the lives of others on the road were deserving of these serious consequences. It is my hope that the finality of this sentencing can give this victim’s family a sense of closure after a long and tragic chapter of their lives.”

State’s Attorney Healey would like to express her sincere appreciation for Assistant State’s Attorney Megan Lintott for her unwavering commitment to justice in this case. Her fortitude throughout every step of this case ensured that this maximum sentence was achieved and Harford County citizens are safer with these Defendants off our roads. Ms. Healey also commends the Victim Witness Unit of the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, who worked closely with this family throughout the court process and is invaluable in supporting victims in these life altering events. Finally, she thanks Trooper Allen of the Maryland State Police for his investigation and Sgt. Rumaker for his efforts in accident reconstruction that was a vital piece of evidence in the prosecution of these cases.

FIRST DEGREE MURDER CONVICTION IN 2024 JOPPATOWNE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING

Today, May 29, 2025, Jaylen Rushawn Prince, 16, of Edgewood, was convicted by a Harford County jury after three hours of deliberation of First Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Crime of Violence, Minor in Possession of a Firearm, Dangerous Weapon on School Property, Loaded Handgun on a Person, and Handgun on a Person.

These convictions follow an eight-day jury trial, where evidence was presented proving that on September 6, 2024, first responders were dispatched to Joppatowne High School for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed the victim to be a fifteen-year-old male student who had been shot inside the school bathroom. He was immediately transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview where lifesaving surgeries were attempted but unsuccessful, and he later succumbed to his injuries that afternoon.

Further investigation of the incident identified the shooter to be Jaylen Rushawn Prince. Witnesses presented in trial testified that Prince and the victim were engaged in a verbal altercation after the Defendant followed the victim into the school bathroom to confront him over issues relating to a female student. One of the student witnesses present at the time of the incident filmed the confrontation where Prince is clearly depicted as the aggressor, threatening to kill the victim four times. Witnesses testified that they observed Prince remove the firearm from his backpack, cock the weapon and ultimately shoot the victim before fleeing the scene and disposing of the murder weapon, which was never found.
State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey, who prosecuted the case with her co-counsel Anthony Baranauskas, offered the following comment after the verdict: “We are very proud today to have given justice to the victim’s family. At fifteen years old, his life was taken by this defendant far too soon in a place that is supposed to be safe for the children of our communities. There is absolutely no justifiable reason for a sixteen-year-old to be armed with a firearm, especially in the halls of our high schools. It is my hope that this case sends a clear message that if you make adult decisions that take the life of another, there will be adult consequences.”

State’s Attorney Healey would like to express her sincere thanks to Assistant State’s Attorney Anthony Baranauskas for his assistance in the preparation and prosecution of this case. She further commends Detective Ross of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and all of the members of the Criminal Investigation Division as well as all the members of law enforcement that responded to this tragic incident.

Sentencing has been set for September 2, 2025, where the Defendant faces a maximum penalty of a life sentence plus twenty-eight years of incarceration.

LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE SENTENCE IN 2022 EDGEWOOD MURDER

Date: May 1, 2025
Re: Sentencing Update – State v. Anthony Sean Ross

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Anthony Sean Ross, 32, of Nottingham was sentenced to Life without the possibility of parole plus a consecutive twenty (20) years to serve by the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen following his February 2025 conviction for First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, and related firearms charges.

These charges stem from an April 2022 shooting where the victim, a 38-year-old Edgewood man, was murdered outside of his home when 22 rounds were fired in his direction, striking him in the back and ultimately, causing his death. Following the sentencing State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following comment: “Life without the possibility of parole is the maximum sentence allowable by law in Maryland and was absolutely appropriate for this senseless killing. Today closes a very long and grueling chapter for this victim’s family, and I hope they can find some peace knowing the Anthony Ross will never walk the streets of our community again.”

State’s Attorney Healey extends her praise and gratitude to Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Muneses and Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta for their perseverance and commitment to justice in this case. It is through their diligence and hard work that this maximum sentence was secured.

ABINGDON MAN CONVICTED IN 2024 BEL AIR MURDER

Date: March 21, 2025
Re: State v Angelo Terrell Spencer

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Angelo Terrell Spencer, 25, of Abingdon, pled guilty to First Degree Murder before the Honorable Paul Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County. Following the plea, Spencer was sentenced to Life, suspend all but seventy-five (75) years to serve in the Division of Corrections.

Facts presented in support of the plea showed that on February 22, 2024, the Bel Air Police Department was dispatched to a residence for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, Officers located a 73-year-old female victim in the foyer of the residence suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased while en route to the hospital.

The victim’s granddaughter was on scene and advised her ex-boyfriend, Angelo Terrell Spencer, entered their home and stabbed her grandmother. Members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were able to locate Spencer at his home, and he was taken into custody. After being read his Miranda rights, Spencer agreed to speak with Detectives and advised that on the night in question he was texting with the victim’s granddaughter and wanted to see her. He further advised that he went to her home and attempted to get her attention by “crunching branches” near the rear basement door of the residence. When that was unsuccessful, he got back in his vehicle and drove to the Bel Air Home Depot. Upon arrival, he observed a marked police car in the front of the store and waited for it to leave before entering and purchasing a glass cutter, pocketknife, and a pair of gloves. He stated that he then returned to the victim’s residence where he used the pocketknife to cut through a piece of the laminate material that was covering one of the windows of the rear basement door in an effort to gain entry to the residence by sticking his hand through the hole. He discovered, however, that the door was secured by a key lock deadbolt and was unable to unlock the door. Spencer then went around to the front of the residence and knocked on the front door. The victim answered the door and Spencer indicated to her that he was “looking for John.” The victim told him that she did not know anyone by that name, and at that point, Spencer forced himself into the home. Spencer further advised he then stabbed the victim in the shoulder, panicked, and continued to stab her multiple times. The autopsy of the victim revealed twenty-five stab wounds to her neck and upper back area.

Following the incident, Spencer told Detectives that he fled the scene, traveled to Bel Air Middle School to pick up his current girlfriend from work, traveled to H&R Block to get his taxes, and stopped at the Bel Air Safeway to wash his hands, before ultimately collecting his juvenile daughter from daycare and returning home.

Investigators were able to speak with Spencer’s girlfriend who corroborated his version of events following the incident. She further advised that she did not notice anything strange or off about Spencer, except that she found it odd that he called his juvenile son and stated he loved him and cried.

Following the plea, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “Angelo Spencer deserves every day of this sentence for the violent, unjustified, and brutal murder of this seventy-three-year-old grandmother. The premeditated steps he took to take her life are incomprehensible. I hope that her family can now have some peace knowing her killer has been held accountable.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks for his efforts as her Second Chair in this case. She further expresses gratitude to Detective Corporal Sam Vivino of the Bel Air Police Department for his thorough investigation, as well as the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the apprehension of this Defendant.

CHILD ABUSE CONVICTION FOLLOWING THREE-DAY JURY TRIAL

Date: March 3, 2025
Re: State v. Douglas Grazuties

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Douglas Grazuties, 36, of Middle River, was found guilty of Second Degree Child Abuse, two counts of Second Degree Assault, and two counts of Reckless Endangerment following a three-day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on January 10, 2024, Child Protective Services was dispatched to a residence in Abingdon, Maryland regarding a safety concern pertaining to two minor children. Upon arrival, both children disclosed to Child Protective Services that Douglas Grazuties, their stepfather, physically harmed them almost every day. One of the child victims disclosed that Grazuties slapped them on the side of their heads, punched them in their faces and chests, and tripped them if they ran from him. They also indicated that in the past Grazuties struck them in the face, causing their noses to bleed, including an incident on one of the victim’s 7th birthday. The victim went on to advise that on January 9, 2024, the victim was playing with their sister in their bedroom when she put a toy in her mouth. Grazuties saw this and put a toy in one of the victim’s mouths, pushing the toy in with his fingers while saying “how does it feel to choke on something?” The defendant did this because he was angry that the victim was not watching his little sister when she began to chew on the toy.

      The victim also reported to Child Protective Services that he was bleeding out of his ear during the interview. He further advised that on January 8, 2024, Grazuties asked him about his day and proceeded to hit him in his ear when he did not answer. The victim was later taken to Express Care, followed by the Upper Chesapeake Emergency Room by Child Protective Services on January 10, 2024, and was diagnosed with perforation of the tympanic membrane of his right ear. Doctors advised that there was a high risk of hearing loss associated with the injury without treatment. The other child victim was also seen at Express Care on January 10, 2024. He was also diagnosed with marginal perforations of tympanic membrane consistent with the abuse they reported. Child Protective Services also noticed bruising and redness on both victim’s faces and chests during their interviews. Following the conviction, the Defendant was taken to the Harford County Detention Center where he will remain pending sentencing which is currently scheduled for May 22, 2025.

After the verdict, State’s Attorney Healey issued the following statement: “Working with victims of child abuse is an incredibly challenging and sensitive area of the law. We are lucky to have one of the best Child Advocacy Centers in the State of Maryland, filled with professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping children. I commend these children for their bravery and honesty in coming forward and reliving their traumas, which ultimately led to the conviction in this case. I hope this verdict will result in a more peaceful future for both victims.”

State’s Attorney Healey also expresses her gratitude to Assistant State’s Attorney Jessica Earlbeck, as well as the detectives, support staff, advocates, and social workers of the Harford County Child Advocacy Center that work tirelessly everyday to ensure the safety of Harford County’s most vulnerable victims.

DRUG DEALER CONVICTED OF MURDER IN RELATION TO FATAL OVERDOSE

Date: March 3, 2025
Re: State v Kusan Hines

On Friday, February 28, 2025, Kusan Hines, 43, of Havre de Grace, pled guilty to one count of Second Degree Depraved Heart Murder and one count Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Facts presented in support of the plea proved that on October 12, 2023, Deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an apartment in Havre de Grace for a welfare check. Upon arrival, contact was made with the handy man for the property who reported that he arrived to fix the locks and could not gain access to the unit. Using a ladder to see into the apartment, he observed the male victim slumped over in the bedroom.

Deputies made entry and discovered a 33-year-old male victim deceased from a suspected overdose. Detective Armiger from the Harford County Drug Task Force assumed the investigation and located a glass smoking device commonly used for smoking Crack Cocaine under the body of the victim. The victim was then taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where a Forensic Toxicologist confirmed that he had a combination of Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine, Fentanyl, and Despropionyl Fentanyl in his system. Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Vincenti then performed an autopsy and confirmed that the cause of his death was Fentanyl, Despropionyl Fentanyl, and Cocaine Intoxication.

Through further investigation, surveillance videos from the victim’s apartment were reviewed which showed that a male, later identified as Kusan Hines, and a female, later identified as Kusan Hines’ girlfriend, arrive at the victim’s apartment the night of the overdose on October 11. The next video showed them leaving the victim’s apartment a bit later. They were the last ones to be at the victim’s apartment before he was found deceased the next day.

On November 16, 2023, Detective Armiger conducted an interview with Kusan Hines where he advised that he was friends with the victim and confirmed that it was in fact him and his girlfriend on the surveillance video entering the victim’s residence. He further advised that the victim had a preexisting mental condition that caused him to have hallucinations, that drugs made the hallucinations worse, that his mental condition was worse than ever, and the victim was admitted to the hospital for his mental conditions not long before the overdose. Hines further stated that he went to the victim’s apartment to cook crack cocaine and smoke with him. The victim smoked the crack cocaine most likely unaware that it contained the Fentanyl and Despropionyl Fentanyl and after smoking, he started “acting weird.” Despite this, Hines left with his girlfriend, leaving the victim alone in his apartment without seeking any medical assistance.

Detective Armiger was also able to speak with an independent witness who spoke with Hines regarding the incident. This witness stated that Hines came into the Fluff and Fold Laundromat the day after the overdose and kept repeating “It’s my fault, it’s my fault.” When asked what he was referring to, Hines said “I gave him too much.” This same witness confirmed that Hines was the only one that would deal drugs to the victim, since other dealers refused due to his mental conditions.

Following the plea, Kusan Hines was sentenced to 30 years suspend all but 12 years to serve at the Department of Corrections, and 5 years of supervised probation following release. State’s Attorney Healey issued the following statement: “I cannot say enough about the importance of this case and the precedent it has set for how we will handle future overdose cases in Harford County. I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Stuart Welch for his tireless efforts and collaboration with our Harford County Drug Taskforce to support the investigation and prosecution of those that deal drugs in our communities, especially in cases that result in death. To our knowledge, this is the first murder conviction in the State of Maryland related to a fatal overdose, and Harford County has now opened the door for this to become the norm. We will continue to seek even higher sentences in an effort to deter the distribution of these poisons in our community.”

State’s Attorney Healey also expresses her gratitude to Detective Armiger and the entire Harford County Drug Taskforce for their efforts in this investigation and for all that they do daily to ensure the safety of Harford County citizens. Their professionalism and skill are unmatched, and they should be commended for the very important role they play in Harford County’s public safety.