Maryland U.S. Attorney Announces Hundreds of Arrests Connected to Joint Federal-State Targeted Baltimore Criminal Enforcement Operation
Operation focused on violent and high-risk offenders nets extraordinary results
Baltimore, Maryland / Thursday, February 19, 2026 – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced federal charges today, in connection with a large-scale, targeted law-enforcement operation, resulting in hundreds of federal and state arrests.
From January 20, through January 31, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners brought dozens of federal and state charges against numerous defendants. Through this operation, law enforcement also arrested more than 200 violent fugitives and individuals affiliated with organized criminal activity throughout the Baltimore area. Throughout the operation, authorities carried out various law enforcement actions, including the execution of search-and-seizure warrants, in connection with efforts to fight violent crime and drug-trafficking in Baltimore City.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the prosecutions with Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City; Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI – Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
This multi-jurisdictional law-enforcement effort resulted in several federal indictments in connection with drug trafficking and firearm offenses, including:
- Zachary Lewis, 36, Dwayne Hamilton, 45, and Elton Jonray Cruickshank, 37, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine between June and October 2025. Lewis is also charged with firearms-related charges. The FBI and BPD are investigating this case.
- Donte Sands, 51, and Walter Gardner III, 56, are under indictment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine base. These charges stem from drug activity from April through August 2025. Additionally, Gardner is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, including a .40 caliber handgun, a 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle, and a revolver. The DEA and Baltimore County Police Department are investigating this case.
- Three members of a Baltimore drug trafficking organization are under indictment for drug trafficking crimes from November 2025 through January 2026. Terrel Tomlin, 36, Michael “M&M” McKay, 55, and Keenan Jackson, 39, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The DEA, Carroll County Sherriff’s Office, and Maryland State Police are investigating this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also sought charges against more than a dozen others for unrelated drug and firearm offenses, along with a Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Conspiracy in connection with MS-13 affiliated crimes.
This law-enforcement operation also involved Operation Baltimore Safeguard, an effort by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, in partnership with FBI Baltimore, HSI Maryland, and BPD, to arrest fugitives based on outstanding Maryland state arrest warrants. Operation Baltimore Safeguard resulted in a total of 239 fugitive arrests, including eight individuals wanted for homicide, 12 for attempted homicide, 18 for robbery, 108 for assault, 13 for weapons-related offenses, 10 for sexual assault, and 26 for drug-related charges. Among those apprehended six were identified as gang associates. Law enforcement personnel also seized four firearms, along with 869 grams of narcotics, and cleared 264 outstanding warrants during the operation. The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force is a Congressionally funded multi-agency task force whose mission is to focus resources and efforts on the reduction of violence within the National Capital Region.
Prosecutions from this operation also include charges brought against at least 10 additional defendants for various offenses in Maryland state court.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office; USMS; FBI; ATF; DEA; HSI; BPD; BCPD; Annapolis Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Department; Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; Frederick Police Department; Hagerstown Police Department; Harford County Sheriff’s Department; Howard County Police Department; Howard County Sheriff’s Office; Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; Maryland State Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); and Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their investigative efforts.
Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys who are prosecuting the federal cases.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Agency Quotes
Kelly O. Hayes – U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland
“This operation makes clear that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to join forces with our law-enforcement partners to execute the united goal of dismantling organizations associated with driving violence and other criminal activity, and prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law,” Hayes said. “This successful operation shows how collaboration and teamwork help combat crime, thereby making our neighborhoods safer.”
Ivan J. Bates – State’s Attorney for Baltimore City
“This operation exemplifies the effectiveness of collaboration among various levels of law enforcement, all working towards the shared mission to disrupt violent crime, dismantle organized criminal networks, and enhance public safety,” Bates said. “By combining the unique resources and expertise of each agency at the federal, state, and local levels, we are successfully removing violent offenders from our streets and holding drug traffickers accountable. Achieving impactful public safety requires partnerships, and this operation showcases our coordinated effort to make Baltimore safer for residents and visitors alike.”
Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge – FBI Baltimore
“The FBI was proud to be part of this effort, combining agents, intelligence analysts, specialized teams and professional staff, with our dedicated law enforcement partners,” Paul said. “Results from this recent operation build on the progress we’ve made over the last few years to drive down crime and we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to make Baltimore safer for everyone.”
Clinton J. Fuchs – U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland
“The U.S. Marshals Service would like to thank all the law enforcement officers involved in this operation for their professionalism, skill, and dedication. Successful operations like this one are a reminder of the value of effective federal, state, and local partnerships in protecting public safety and upholding the rule of law,” Fuchs said. “It should also serve as a reminder that the U.S. Marshals Service and all our law enforcement partners will pursue violent offenders wherever they attempt to hide.”
Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge – DEA
“Violent crime and drugs are undoubtedly connected. Our job is to safeguard the safety and well-being of American communities by actively fighting against all criminal drug networks that inflict harm, violence, and contribute to overdoses and poisonings,” Goumenis said. “Through strategic partnerships with local, state, and international law enforcement agencies, the DEA works tirelessly to dismantle these illicit organizations and, one by one, return the neighbors to the good people of Maryland. We are working for a violence and fentanyl free America.”
Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge – ATF Baltimore
“ATF remains relentless in working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who threaten public safety,” Doerrer said. “Our agents will continue to work every day to keep Baltimore safe and hold those who perpetuate violence accountable.”
Christopher R. Heck, Special Agent in Charge – Homeland Security Investigations Maryland
"Homeland Security Investigations Maryland, in close collaboration with federal partners, supported a surge operation focused on public safety and criminal activity in the Baltimore area. Special agents assisted in the execution of numerous arrest warrants and search warrants for serious offenses as part of ongoing investigations targeting transnational organized crime and illicit narcotics activity. These efforts reflect HSI’s commitment to combating violent crime, dismantling criminal organizations, and protecting the community we serve," Heck said.
Richard Worley, Commissioner – BPD
“Through continued collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners, efforts such as these are delivering meaningful results,” Worley said. “These operations are essential to our crime-reduction strategy and have a significant impact on removing individuals who threaten public safety and our communities. The outcomes reflect the level of safety and security the people of Baltimore deserve.”
Contact
Kevin Nash
USAMD.Press@usdoj.gov
410-209-4946
Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maryland
