Suspect In Carroll County Drug Distribution Network Arrested Last Week In Baltimore.

He was charged last month in a criminal complaint.Baltimore, Md (KM) A Westminster man charged in a criminal complaint for operating a drug distribution network in Carroll County was arrested last week. Rodney Gaines, 33, of Westminster, also known as “Butta” and “Butters,” was taken into custody in Baltimore on Thursday. . The US Attorney’s Office says Gaines along with his co-defendant, James Sammes, 30, also of Westminster, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances including crack cocaine and fentanyl.A criminal complaint was filed against both men on March 21st, 2022. Sammes was taken into custody that day, but Gaines remained at large until last Thursday.Federal officials say Gaines is believed to be the primary source for crack cocaine in Carrol County. They also say since April, 2021, undercover investigators made controlled purchase of crack cocaine and fentanyl from Gaines and other members of his drug trafficking organization, including Samms.The US Attorney’s Office says law enforcement intercepted communications between Gaines and his associates, allegedly having to do with drug trafficking and violence. They also says police observed alleged drug transactions at locations around Westminster involving Gaines and Sammes, including residences  and stash houses. Authorities also monitored communications in 2021 where customers allegedly arranged the purchase of drugs from Gaines. He directed  customers to an addresses  in Westminster where Sames completed the transactions, according to federal officials.This case was brought by Project Safe Neighborhoods which brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer.The US Attorney’s Office says a criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt and individuals charged through a complaint compliant are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.By Kevin McManusBy Kevin McManus