Two gang members convicted of drug-related charges received maximum sentences Thursday.
Mark Rice, 35, and Ronnie Whitener, 42, both of Baltimore City, were sentenced to 10 years in prison, as well as an additional 10 year suspended sentences to be served consecutively, for their actions as part of a criminal gang.
Their arrests and indictments were part of a multi-agency investigation that began in 2015 after the murder of a federal confidential informant. A case was built against the "Brick City" gang – a group operating in the neighborhood around Edmondson Avenue and Pulaski Street in West Baltimore.
During the trial, witnesses explained the gang's operations, identified it's members, and mapped out how it took over the territory. The gang's multiple drug shops generated roughly $75,000 in heroin sales a day.
Witnesses also told of the murder of two men the gang thought were informants. Tahil Yasin, 39, was killed on May 14, 2015 in the gang's territory, and Jason Summers, 43, was killed on Aug. 20, 2015, on the suspicion he set up another gang member's arrest.
“Dismantling drug gangs and putting those members behind bars takes the courage of witnesses and solid investigative work,” said Attorney General Brian Frosh. “We believe that these convictions will help make the Baltimore region safer and will send a message that we will track down and prosecute gangs and individuals who spread drugs, fear and violence through our neighborhoods.”
