Drug Task Force investigation results in multiple prison sentences

Posted On: March 27, 2017

Between the dates of January 12, 2016 and March 3, 2016 the Queen Anne’s County Drug Task Force conducted a wiretap investigation on several individuals distributing cocaine and oxycodone pills in and around Queen Anne’s County.  The targets of these wiretaps were identified as Eric Lewis Clark, Donta Lamont Miles and Apollonia Kateria Ryans.  During this time period investigators intercepted thousands of phone call and text messages indicative of narcotics distribution.  Many of the interceptions were drug users looking to purchase drugs from the targeted individuals.  Law enforcement personnel were able to conduct surveillance on several of these drug sales.  The sales occurred at numerous locations throughout this County, including but not limited to, gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores and even some schools.  At each of these sales, the target, or an individual sent by the target, would show up at the meeting location and provide the buyer with an agreed upon amount of narcotics.

This pattern of behavior was monitored by law enforcement throughout the course of the investigation.  As a result, several search and seizure warrants were executed at various locations throughout the County, resulting in the seizure of  approximately $20,000 in U.S. Currency, 14 vehicles, 4 guns, 1 bullet proof vest, over 530 grams of marijuana, almost 400 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of heroin and 228 Oxycodone pills.

The following individuals were indicated by the Queen Anne’s County Grand Jury on March 7, 2016, and were ultimately convicted as follows:

  • Eric Lewis Clark, 42, of Grasonville, MD – convicted of Cocaine Distribution and two counts of illegal possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, a portion of the sentence was suspended and Clark was ordered to serve 14 years in the Division of Corrections.  This sentence is consecutive (in addition to) a 20 years sentence received for violating probation in a unrelated case.  He will be on probation when released from prison.
  • Henry Jefferson Gray, 57, of Grasonville, MD – convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. He was sentence to 15 years in prison, with all suspended but 2 years to be served at the Division of Corrections. He will be on probation when released from prison.
  • Donald Dwight Hughes, 62, of Queenstown, MD – convicted of Cocaine Possession as a subsequent offender, and illegal possession of ammunition.  He was sentenced to 30 months in the Division of Corrections.  This sentence is consecutive to an 18 month sentence received for violating probation in another case.
  • Michael Nathaniel Reives, 43, of Grasonville, MD – convicted of Cocaine Possession. He was sentenced to 120 days at the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center.
  • Keith Ellsmore Harris, 60, of Chestertown, MD – convicted of Cocaine Possession.  He was given a suspended sentence and placed on probation.
  • Donta Lamont Miles, 43, of Grasonville, MD – convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.  He was sentenced to 12 years at the Division of Corrections.
  • Carl Mealy, 41, of Centreville, MD – convicted of Distribution of Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in a school zone.  He was sentenced to 20 years at the Division of Corrections.
  • Jeremiah Eugene Lynch, 36, of Annapolis, MD – convicted of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.  He was sentenced to 5 years at the Division of Corrections.  This sentence is consecutive to a 2 year sentence received for violating probation.
  • Apollonia Kateria Ryans, 31, of Grasonville, MD – convicted of two counts of Conspiracy to Possess with intent to Distribute Oxycodone.  She was sentenced to 20 years, with all suspended but 4 years that will be served at the Division of Corrections. She will be on probation following her release.
  • Antwaine Wilson, 28, of Grasonville, MD – convicted of two counts of Conspiracy Oxycodone Possession as a subsequent offender.  He was sentenced to 8 years, per count.  The sentence was suspended except for 30 months to be served at the Division of Corrections. This sentence is consecutive to a one year sentence received due to a violation of probation.  He will be on probation following his release from prison.
  • William Doran, 51, of Newark, DE – convicted of Oxycodone Possession as a subsequent offender.  He was given a suspended sentence and placed on probation.

This investigation was the result of collaborative efforts by the following agencies:

  • Maryland State Police, Centreville Barrack, State Apprehension Team, Criminal Investigation Enforcement Division and Special Operations K-9 Unit.
  • Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • Centreville Police Department
  • Maryland Natural Resources Police
  • Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office
  • Queen Anne’s County Drug Task Force
  • Talbot County Drug Task Force
  • Kent County Drug Task Force

These cases were collectively prosecuted by Jennifer Doud, Christine Rickard and Michael Cuches of the Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.  All indicted targets and co-conspirators were convicted for their roles in this drug distribution organization.