A Baltimore drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl and other controlled substances has seen its leadership sentenced following a 16-month investigation. Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the sentencing of James Brunson, 41, and Ernest Hudson, 38, both of Baltimore. They led a criminal enterprise operating in the Shipley Hill, Booth-Boyd, and Fayette Street neighborhoods. The investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit and the Baltimore Police Department, was part of the city’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy. In total, 33 individuals faced charges related to drug distribution and firearm offenses.
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Hudson pleaded guilty in August 2024 to supervising a criminal organization, distributing large amounts of fentanyl, and possessing a firearm after a felony conviction. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with five years to be served without parole. Authorities found that Hudson supplied drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, to others in the organization and engaged in violent activities. Brunson, who pleaded guilty in March 2025 to conspiring to supervise a criminal organization and illegal firearm possession, was sentenced to 20 years, with 15 years suspended and three years of supervised probation. He must serve at least five years without parole.
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Twenty-eight other members of the organization have already been convicted and sentenced, receiving penalties ranging from a few months to multiple years in prison, depending on their level of involvement. Charges included participation in a criminal organization, drug distribution, and illegal firearm possession. Three additional suspects remain at large with outstanding warrants for their arrests. Officials credit the investigation’s success to collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Baltimore Police Department and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, with funding support from the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.
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