A Baltimore County grand jury has indicted a defense attorney based in Towson and 12 other people on drug-related charges, court records show.
Jill Swerdlin, 46, who has served as a private defense attorney for the past five years, and previously as a public defender, is charged with one count of conspiracy with intent to distribute and possession.
She and 12 others were arrested when Baltimore County police executed 10 search warrants on Monday after a "lengthy investigation," said police spokeswoman Elise Armacost.
Among those charged was Swerdlin's 20-year-old son, Brett, who faces the same charges as his mother.
Police seized prescription pills such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Alprazolam (Xanax) and Suboxone, Armacost said. Also recovered by officers was "various amounts" of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and other paraphernalia, and 10 long guns, Armacost said.
The indictment says the charges span from incidents on May 3 until September 11.
Police declined to provide additional details of the investigation on Thursday. Deputy State's Attorney John P. Cox declined to comment on the charges.
Swerdlin said on Thursday, "I'm just focusing on moving forward. At this point, I'm focusing on taking care of my kids and my family, and I will be seeking legal counsel."
Attorney Dennis J. Psoras, who rents office space to Swerdlin on Baltimore Avenue, said "we're disappointed with what we've heard and we're saddened."
He spoke highly of Swerdlin, and added "I feel for her and I hope she's OK."
Swerdlin has been a member of the Maryland State Bar Association since 1991.
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