Maryland Man Admits to Supplying Cocaine and Possessing Firearms

A Maryland resident has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The plea stems from a multi-state investigation that uncovered a significant drug supply operation.

The investigation, initiated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2024, focused on a drug trafficking organization operating out of Richmond, Virginia. Law enforcement identified Alcedo Hodge, Jr., 29, of Parkville, Maryland, as a key supplier of cocaine to this organization. In December of that year, investigators intercepted communications detailing the organization’s efforts to re-supply cocaine in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

During a surveillance operation on December 5, 2024, authorities observed a member of the drug trafficking organization travel from Virginia to Owings Mills, Maryland, to meet with a co-conspirator. Hodge was also observed arriving at a shopping center parking lot, where he was met by the co-conspirator. While law enforcement watched, the co-conspirator exited Hodge’s vehicle and later contacted the organization member. A subsequent traffic stop of the organization member in Virginia resulted in the discovery of one kilogram of cocaine.

Further investigations in January 2025 revealed Hodge allegedly engaging in another suspected drug transaction. On March 17, 2025, police conducted a traffic stop on Hodge in Baltimore County after observing another suspected drug transaction. A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of controlled substances in Hodge’s vehicle. A search of the vehicle uncovered three kilograms of cocaine, a loaded Glock semi-automatic handgun with an extended 22-round magazine, and approximately $78,000 in cash.

Following Hodge’s arrest, a search of his Parkville residence revealed an additional three kilograms of cocaine, a stolen firearm, and two digital money counters. Hodge has reportedly admitted that the firearms and currency found were intended to facilitate his drug trafficking activities.

Hodge faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. For the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for August 18. It is important for the public to understand that actual sentences in federal cases are often less than the maximum penalties, with the final sentencing determined by a federal district judge after considering sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The successful prosecution is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which comprises various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The HSTF is dedicated to dismantling criminal cartels, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

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