Baltimore, Md. (September 23, 2024) - Today, the State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO), Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and the Mayor’s Office announced the takedown of a drug trafficking organization that was operating in the 4300 block of Belair Road and the 4200 block of Nicholas Avenue. 

“This investigation secured the indictments of 10 individuals terrorizing the surrounding community and jeopardizing the safety and well-being of countless families. The takedown results from a coordinated effort between our office, law enforcement, city government, and community members, all committed to removing dangerous drugs and criminals from our streets,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “I want to thank my Narcotics Unit, BPD’s Group Violence Enforcement Team, and the Mayor’s Office for their vigilance and collaboration to rid Belair-Parkside of this criminal element that threatened the neighborhood daily. Our fight to keep Baltimore safe continues, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect our communities.”

In February 2024, as part of the City’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), investigators assigned to the Baltimore Police Department Group Violence Enforcement Team (GVET) were tasked with conducting an investigation in the 4200 block of Nicholas Avenue on the border between the Eastern and Northeastern districts of Baltimore City. The investigation focused on the areas of the 4200 block of Nicholas Avenue, the 4200 block of Sheldon Avenue, and the 4300 block of Belair Road due to recent violence in the area and the open-air drug market operating in the community.

“This takedown is yet another example of how GVRS is working to make Baltimore safer by going after violent groups responsible for driving crime in our communities,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We know that drug trafficking and illegal firearms are closely associated with acts of violence. We have been clear from the beginning that anyone, like the 10 individuals included in this indictment, who violates the strategy’s mandate to put down the guns and cease activities associated with violence will face the consequences. I want to thank our partners at the State’s Attorney’s Office, BPD, and MONSE for their work to hold this group accountable.”

During the investigation, detectives were able to identify several members and associates of the DTO, who referred to themselves as "4200", who were involved in the unlawful distribution of suspected cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. As a result, the following individuals were indicted:

1. Davon Butler
2. Taquan Lee
3. George Lee
4. Tykala Donaldson
5. Romiyo Testaye
6. Jason Williams
7. Gerard Anderson
8. Louis Brown
9. Terrell Cloude
10. Shamika Watson

"This case exemplifies the strong collaboration among our law enforcement partners in tackling illegal drug distribution and firearm possession,” said Commissioner Richard Worley. “I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the Baltimore Police Department, GVET, and everyone involved in the GVRS. Together, we are making Baltimore safer and achieving historic reductions in violence."

Eight search and seizure warrants were executed on locations used by the DTO to facilitate their unlawful drug distribution. One of the locations was the Royal Tobacco & Grocery store located at 4335 Belair Road. Defendant Romiyo Testaye was the store clerk and lived in an apartment above the business. The following items were seized from the eight locations: nine guns, including an AR-style rifle, an extended magazine, a large amount of ammunition, 200 grams of heroin/fentanyl, and 120 grams of cocaine. In addition to the store on Belair Road, the following locations were also searched:

1. 3802 Monterey Avenue
2. 1110 N. Luzerne Avenue
3. 4224 Sheldon Avenue
4. 4335 Sheldon Avenue
5. 4235 Sheldon Avenue
6. 4209 Sheldon Avenue

“GVRS is a core component of Baltimore’s targeted violence intervention approach, one that focuses on accountability and strong partnerships with law enforcement,” said MONSE Director Stefanie Mavronis. “This strategy is ensuring swift and legitimate consequences where necessary, and continues to provide support and opportunities each day to women and men identified as being at the highest risk for involvement in gun violence.”

An additional search and seizure warrant was executed in Baltimore County, where another illegal handgun was found.