CUMBERLAND, Md. – Three people have been charged following a three-month investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine and fentanyl in the Allegany County area, authorities announced Friday.
Investigators executed a search warrant in the 200 block of Springdale Street in Cumberland and seized what authorities described as large amounts of crack cocaine and fentanyl. Police estimated the street value of the drugs at approximately $700,000 and said firearms and U.S. currency were also recovered.
- Luther Jessup, Jasmond Metheny and Taylar Lapinski were arrested following the three-month investigation.
- Authorities estimated the crack cocaine and fentanyl seized during the investigation had a street value of about $700,000.
- Investigators also seized numerous firearms and U.S. currency from the Springdale Street residence.
Three Indicted Following Cumberland Drug Investigation
Luther Jessup, 35, of Baltimore was indicted by an Allegany County grand jury on two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a narcotic and two counts involving possession of a large amount of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis.
Jessup also faces four counts of firearm/drug trafficking crime, four counts of illegal possession of a regulated firearm and a charge of illegal possession of ammunition, according to the task force.
Jasmond Metheny, 36, of Cumberland was indicted on two counts each of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a narcotic and distribution of a narcotic.
Taylar Lapinski, 34, also of Cumberland, was indicted on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a narcotic and distribution of a narcotic.
The arrests involved members of the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force, Cumberland Police Department, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police Strategic Operations Group.
Police Chief Issues Warning After $700,000 Drug Seizure
Cumberland Police Chief James R. Pyles said his department has increased the number of officers assigned to the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force.
“Let me be very clear to those selling drugs in the City of Cumberland: we are coming for you,” Pyles said.
The chief said the department now has more personnel assigned to the task force than at any previous point in its history.
“We are putting the manpower and resources behind our commitment to take drug dealers off our streets,” Pyles said. “If you are selling drugs in Cumberland, we are coming to find you. We will investigate you, we will arrest you, and we will hold you accountable. There is nowhere to hide.”
Pyles also credited the officers and agencies involved in the three-month investigation.
“I commend the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force and every officer and agency involved in this investigation,” Pyles said. “Their work is making a real difference in our community.”
The charges against Jessup, Metheny and Lapinski are accusations and have not been proven in court. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three people were arrested in the Cumberland narcotics investigation.
Authorities identified them as Luther Jessup, 35, of Baltimore; Jasmond Metheny, 36, of Cumberland; and Taylar Lapinski, 34, of Cumberland.
Police valued the seized drugs at approximately $700,000.
Investigators said large amounts of crack cocaine and fentanyl were recovered while executing a search warrant on Springdale Street.
Firearms and cash were also seized.
Authorities said numerous firearms and U.S. currency were recovered from the residence along with the drugs.
Sources: Allegany County Narcotics Task Force and Cumberland Police Department press release
Baltimore News
Baltimore Man Charged With Attempted Murder Weeks After Shooting, Police Say
Shore News Network
Maryland News
Maryland Man Accused of Pistol-Whipping Victim During Silver Spring Robbery
Shore News NetworkMaryland Church Fire Ruled Arson as ATF Offers $5,000 Reward for Suspect
Shore News Network
Baltimore News
Baltimore County Police Searching for Missing 14-Year-Old Boy in Towson
Shore News Network