The court records read like a scene out of Goodfellas: From their prison cells and with the help of corrections staff, authorities say, members of a violent gang were feasting on salmon and shrimp, sipping Grey Goose vodka and puffing fine cigars - all while directing drug deals, extorting protection money from other inmates and arranging attacks on witnesses and rival gang members.
A seven-month investigation that included wiretaps on contraband prison cell phones led to the indictment on drug and weapons charges of 24 people - including four state prison officers - who authorities believe are leaders or associates of the Black Guerrilla Family prison gang, officials announced Thursday.
A search warrant outlines how gang members were able to obtain heroin, direct hits on enemies through so-called "Death Angels" and conduct cell phone conference calls to arrange business with inmates around the state.
"It's not enough just to catch the bad guys and get them convicted and sent to prison," said Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. "We need to make sure that while they're in prison, they're isolated and not able to carry on and continue their gang activities."
The state prison system has long struggled to keep out contraband. Last month, a Baltimore man accused of using a contraband cell phone in jail to order the killing of a witness was again caught with an illegal phone behind bars. Court records allege a host of sordid activities carried out with the help of corrections staff members, including drug smuggling and prostitution.
But law enforcement officials said the investigation is proof that officials are working together to crack down on corruption. Authorities from the Drug Enforcement Administration say agents provided intelligence that helped Division of Corrections staff members interrupt illegal activities.
"I have worked in prison systems in three other states, and I have not [before] been faced with the challenges we have here," said Gary Maynard, secretary of the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. "But 99 percent of our people are honest and hardworking, and in the last 20 months we have made great strides in our efforts to stamp out illegal gang-related activities and to root out corrupt staff."
Court documents allege that the Black Guerrilla Family "is attempting to take over the illegal drug trade" in Baltimore and has been working to expand its influence from inside the prison to the street.
