Tyon Bailey, 31, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. The sentence was handed down by District Judge Adam B. Abelson.
The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
According to court documents, Bailey led a drug trafficking organization operating in and around Baltimore that distributed large quantities of fentanyl. Undercover investigators purchased 100 grams of fentanyl on several occasions from Bailey’s organization in late 2023 and early 2024.
On February 12, 2024, after co-defendant Terrell Ridgley crashed his vehicle on I-695, he met with Bailey and another associate at an auto repair shop nearby. When law enforcement arrived, Bailey attempted to flee and discarded a lunchbox containing fentanyl. Investigators recovered approximately 250 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of cocaine, cash, jewelry, and a loaded Glock 23 firearm from the scene.
Search warrants executed that day at locations linked to the organization resulted in the seizure of four firearms and more than 60 rounds of ammunition.
Following these events, Bailey was arrested on state firearm and drug charges but continued directing his organization while detained before trial. He communicated with co-defendant Jaron Rhodes to continue operations outside jail. While awaiting trial, Bailey and Rhodes arranged another sale of fentanyl to an undercover officer.
Bailey was federally indicted for fentanyl distribution in June 2024 and placed under home confinement but continued leading the operation during this period as well.
Wiretap interceptions authorized by the court captured Bailey discussing drug transactions with co-defendants while on home confinement.
Further search warrants executed on October 3 led to the recovery of about $110,000 in cash; 500 grams of fentanyl; a firearm; ammunition; kilo press; digital scale; and money counter.
Over the course of the investigation authorities seized more than one kilogram of fentanyl; six firearms; significant amounts of ammunition; at least $150,000 in cash; and $300,000 worth of jewelry.
Co-defendant Ridgley received an 87-month federal prison sentence followed by three years supervised release. Rhodes is scheduled for sentencing on October 15.
The prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative which brings together agents from multiple agencies for collaborative investigations targeting major criminal organizations. The Baltimore Strike Force includes representatives from several federal and local law enforcement agencies as well as prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
"U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation." "Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III who is prosecuting the case."
More information about resources available through the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
