HEROIN EPIDEMIC: Cops say three were dealing heroin; Attorney General files to seize wheels of alleged dealer William Saunders – a self-described “marketing executive”
(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – The Maryland State Police report that three men were arrested on July 19, 2016, and charged in connection with a heroin distribution operation in Anne Arundel County. The Maryland Attorney General has filed court actions to seize the pickup truck of one of the defendants, William Saunders, of Annapolis.
The suspects are identified as William T. Saunders, 27, of 1207 Tyler Ave., Annapolis, Md.; William B. Gross, 53, and Rodney B. Gross, 23, all of Annapolis, Md. Saunders is charged with four counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, four counts of possession with intent to distribute, four counts of possession of CDS not marijuana, and one count of resisting arrest. Saunders was being held in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center on $15,000 bond. The bond for Saunders was posted on July 14, 2016, by Adrian J. Edwards, of Baltimore, Md. Saunders faces a preliminary hearing on Aug. 9, 2016.
With Glen Burnie attorney Peter O’Neill representing him in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court on June 3, 2015, Saunders entered an Alford Plea to the intent to distribute narcotics in Maryland with the plea deal approved by Anne Arundel County States Attorney Wes Adams, was given Probation Before Judgement. Since that deal was struck, Saunders has been cited for violation of probation four times. His period of supervised probation agreed to by States Attorney Adams was for eighteen months. O’Neill is a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Maryland, according to Super Lawyers.
On his Facebook page, Saunders posted that he is a “marketing executive”.
William Gross is charged with possession of a firearm while drug trafficking, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, CDS possession of a firearm, firearm use during a violent felony crime, possession of an illegal firearm, convicted felon in possession of firearm and possession of regulated stolen firearm. He is incarcerated in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center on $60,000 bond. Bond was posted on July 19, 2016, and he was released. Court records show he lives at the same address as Saunders.
Rodney Gross is charged with possession of a firearm during drug trafficking, controlled dangerous substance distribution while in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of firearm and possession of stolen regulated firearm. He is currently in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.
About three months ago, investigators from the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division and Homeland Security Investigations obtained information related to William Saunders and his involvement in the distribution of heroin. During the next three months, investigators were able to gather information and evidence implicating Saunders and his organization in the possession and distribution of heroin. Search warrants conducted during the investigation led to the recovery of 12 bags of suspected heroin, two handguns, including one that was stolen, several cellular phones, a digital scale, and over $8,000 in drug-related cash.
Investigators reviewed evidence obtained during the investigation with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office. After the review, prosecutors from that office determined charges to be filed against each suspect.
Assistance during the investigation was provided by units within the Maryland State Police. Those units included the Special Tactical Assault Team Element, Gang Enforcement Unit, Glen Burnie Barrack, and the K-9 Unit.
Investigators from Maryland State Police and Homeland Security Investigations are committed to Governor Hogan’s fight against heroin. With help from our law enforcement partners and citizens, Maryland State Police investigators are dedicated to identifying, infiltrating and dismantling drug trafficking organizations throughout our state.
Anyone having information pertaining to criminal investigations and/or major drug trafficking is urged to contact investigators with the Maryland State Police-Criminal Enforcement Division, Central South Region at 410-535-1400 or “TIP” Line: 1-888-210-1450 or email at:msp.centralsouth@maryland.gov.