Woman awaiting sentencing faces new drug charges
CUMBERLAND, MD – Sarah Renae Peterson was taken into custody in the area of Naves Cross Roads as part of an ongoing drug investigation that law enforcement officials say targeted the distribution of crack cocaine in the Cumberland City area.
Peterson, 40, of Cumberland, was arrested by members of the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force following an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in Allegany County. According to officials, she was found in possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute at the time of her arrest.
Court records show Peterson had previously been the subject of a separate controlled dangerous substances investigation conducted by the same task force. On March 19, 2025, an Allegany County Grand Jury indicted her on a charge of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. She later entered a guilty plea in that case and is awaiting sentencing.
Following her latest arrest, Peterson was charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. After appearing before a District Court Commissioner, she was ordered held without bail on the new charges.
The investigation was led by the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force, a partnership that includes the Maryland State Police, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, the Cumberland Police Department, and the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office. The task force operates as part of the Allegany County Drug Initiative under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program.
Cumberland Police Chief James R. Pyles stated that the arrest disrupted the distribution of crack cocaine within the city and said community members who provided information contributed directly to the investigation. He said cooperation between residents and law enforcement played a role in the outcome of the case.
Peterson remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Key Points
- Sarah Renae Peterson was arrested Wednesday in Cumberland on crack cocaine charges
- She was previously indicted and pleaded guilty in a separate crack cocaine case and is awaiting sentencing
- She is being held without bail after new charges of possession and intent to distribute
