Baltimore police raided two houses yesterday morning and arrested five people, including a city housing authority employee, and charged them with being major cocaine and heroin suppliers to a West Baltimore public housing high-rise.
The officers seized four cars, two fully loaded 9 mm semiautomatic machine pistols and thousands of dollars in the simultaneous 7:30 a.m. raids, which were the result of a four-month investigation.
Police said they also seized 3 ounces of pure heroin that, when diluted and sold on the street, would be enough to supply 2,000 people with one dose each.
Authorities began their investigation in the wake of several drug-related shootings and homicides near the George B. Murphy Homes, a twin high-rise complex on Argyle Avenue. "We believe these drugs were destined to Murphy Homes," said Col. Ronald L. Daniel, head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau. "These were mid-level drug dealers who had the capacity to supply a major public housing market."
The arrested housing authority employee was identified as Jerome Witherspoon, 43, who lives in the 2800 block of Walbrook Ave., in one of the raided houses. He was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of a handgun for use in drug trafficking.
Zack Germroth, a spokesman for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, said Mr. Witherspoon worked in the maintenance department and that his duties included work at Murphy Homes. He said Mr. Witherspoon likely will be suspended pending the outcome of charges.
Colonel Daniel said police are investigating whether Mr. Witherspoon used his job to peddle drugs. "If he's working in the public high-rise and is involved in drug distribution, you can see how easy it would be to hide drugs," he said.
Also arrested at the Walbrook Avenue house was Mr. Witherspoon's nephew, Acheme Witherspoon, 20, and Natalie Thomas, 17, who were charged with cocaine possession. Ms. Thomas was charged as an adult.
Police said they seized a small amount of cocaine, a 1990 Toyota Lexus, a 1990 Toyota Cressida and a loaded 10 mm Glock semiautomatic handgun at that location.
The second raid was at an apartment in the 700 block of N. Augusta Ave. in Edmondson Village.
Joseph Donnell Spence, 25, of 1000 block of Argyle Ave. and Denise Craig, 28, of the 3200 Sequoia Ave. were arrested there and charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a handgun in the use of drug trafficking.
Colonel Daniel said police found 3 ounces of heroin, worth about $40,000 at street prices, in a bedroom and an InterTec 9 mm Luger machine pistol and an AA Arms 9 mm machine pistol, both loaded with magazines holding 40 rounds.
Police said they also seized a 1987 Nissan 300ZX and a 1990 Acura Legend, along with $6,082, electronic scales and surgical masks.