Maryland Man Sentenced to Over a Decade in Prison for Fentanyl and Firearm Crimes

A federal judge has handed down a prison sentence of 135 months, approximately 11 years and three months, to a Baltimore County resident for his involvement in drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. The individual, identified as Jacque “Hammer” Brown, aged 50, of Randallstown, Maryland, was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration. The charges stemmed from a federal drug investigation that led to the discovery of significant quantities of fentanyl and two firearms at his residence.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, in conjunction with federal and local law enforcement officials. The investigation into Brown’s activities began in March 2025 when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information indicating he was distributing fentanyl within the Baltimore region. Authorities subsequently identified Brown’s vehicles and his home in Randallstown, leading to the court’s authorization for electronic surveillance on his vehicles and cell phone.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement observed Brown meeting with his drug supplier in April 2025, an interaction that appeared to be a resupply of narcotics. In the days following this meeting, investigators documented Brown meeting with numerous individuals suspected of being drug purchasers. Later that same evening, officers witnessed Brown leaving his residence with a plastic bag containing what was believed to be drugs. When Brown departed in his vehicle, investigators initiated a traffic stop. A K-9 unit was deployed to the scene and alerted positively to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. While Brown was being detained by a patrol officer, he fled. As he ran, Brown discarded a clear plastic bag. He was apprehended shortly thereafter by investigators.

Following his arrest, law enforcement retraced Brown’s path and recovered the discarded plastic bag, which contained 15 grams of fentanyl. Investigators also seized a cell phone from Brown and three additional cell phones from his vehicle. A subsequent search warrant executed at Brown’s Randallstown residence yielded approximately 500 grams of fentanyl, packaged in multiple plastic bags. The search also uncovered various drug paraphernalia, including digital scales, a hydraulic press, and sifters with residue. In addition to the drugs, two firearms were found: a loaded 9mm Ruger pistol and a Mossberg Maverick 12-gauge shotgun. Court documents indicate that Brown is a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Further analysis of one of Brown’s recovered cell phones revealed text messages exchanged with his fentanyl supplier. These messages discussed the high potency of the fentanyl and Brown’s practice of adding cutting agents to the narcotic in an effort to reduce the risk of overdose for users.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the cooperative efforts of the DEA, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their contributions to the investigation.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession in the Baltimore region. The significant quantity of fentanyl seized, coupled with the presence of firearms, underscores the serious nature of the charges and the potential danger posed by such activities to the community. Residents in the Baltimore area who have information about drug trafficking or illegal firearm activity are encouraged to report it to law enforcement.

This sentencing means a convicted felon will spend over a decade in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and possessing firearms. The investigation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, uncovered substantial amounts of fentanyl and two firearms at the defendant’s residence. The case underscores the serious consequences for individuals involved in drug trafficking and illegal gun ownership in Maryland.

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

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