On Wednesday, August 20, authorities searched the home of a Frederick, Maryland man they believed to be distributing illegal drugs. The home of 24-year-old Richard Thomas Rodgers Jr. was searched by Frederick County Special Services Team and the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force, according to an article at the Frederick News-Post.
Court papers revealed that Rodgers’ home was searched just before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and that officers located various drug paraphernalia items along with a safe containing drugs in a bedroom. Officers had to pry the safe open, but once inside discovered three 30 mg. oxycodone pills and five bags of heroin estimated to be a total of 10 grams.
Rodgers is charged with a single count each of possession of heroin, possession of oxycodone, possession of drug paraphernalia, heroin distribution, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
Heroin possession and possession with intent to distribute are serious charges, regardless of where an alleged offender lives. The state of Michigan is particularly hard on drug offenders in terms of criminal penalties for those found guilty. For example, anyone who is convicted of heroin possession with intent to deliver heroin in an amount less than 50 grams will face a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines, or both. Even if it is determined that an individual was in possession of less than 50 grams of heroin but did not intend to sell or distribute the drug, he or she may still face up to four years in prison, and the same fine as mentioned above. The criminal penalties for oxycodone possession in an amount less than 50 grams are the same as those for heroin possession.
Anyone who is found to be in possession of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, or any illegal drug should consult with a skilled Michigan drug crime attorney at once. Depending on the amount of the substance involved, police/prosecutors may attempt to turn a possession charge into a possession with intent to distribute charge, which means penalties that are much harsher if convicted.
Regardless of the type or amount of drug involved, if you are being investigated or have been arrested, do not wait. Contact an aggressive Michigan drug crime lawyer immediately, so that work can begin to protect your legal rights and freedom.