FREDERICK –Christopher Dorsey, 35, of Inwood, WV appeared before the Honorable Michael Galloway for sentencing on cocaine distribution related charges.  The State requested 50 years, suspend all but 30 years active incarceration.  Deputy State’s Attorney Nanci Hamm argued that based on the PSI, the defendant hadn’t worked since 2001 and even then, he only worked a single year during his entire adult life.  She stated, “The defendant is a large volume, careful, and until now, successful drug dealer.”   The Court agreed with the State’s recommendation and sentenced Mr. Dorsey to 80 years in the Division of Correction, with all but 30 years suspended.  By statute, 5 years of that 30 year sentence is to be served without parole.  Upon release, he will be placed on 5 years supervised probation.

On June 1, 2018, a Frederick County Jury returned a guilty verdict against Christopher Dorsey on all 9 counts.  The charges include 2 counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, 2 counts of Distribution of Cocaine, 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, 2 counts of Possession of Cocaine, and 1 count of Unlawful Possession of Cocaine–Large Amount(over 448 grams).

The charges were the result of an investigation that began in December of 2016, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.  During the investigation, surveillance units and several types of electronic surveillance were utilized for the defendant, the vehicle in which he travelled, and residences he frequented.  On 2/6/17, a search warrant was executed in the area of Toll House Court, a residence frequented by the defendant.  141 grams of crack, $5,300 cash and a loaded firearm were seized.  The occupant was arrested and phones were seized.  The contents of the phones, including texts, were analyzed.  Texts were found that were indicative of drug dealing.  Surveillance continued on the defendant and the vehicle.  On 3/15/17, a search warrant was executed in the area of White Rock Avenue, another residence frequented by the defendant.   The occupant advised that the defendant used the residence as a “stash house” and identified the defendant in a photo array.  Seized items included a large bag of cocaine weighing 50.8g, a large bag of cocaine weighing 49.1g, 6 aluminum foil bundles of crack rocks weighing 3.6g, small back of crack rock weighing 4.3 and a large bag of cocaine weighing 250g.  The 250g bag was located inside a wooden box, sitting on a glass mirror.  Two fingerprints found on the glass mirror were later identified as belonging to the defendant.  On 3/16/17, a search warrant was executed on the defendant’s residence in Inwood, WV.  A handgun was located in the defendant’s bedroom, along with 2 loaded magazines.  The defendant was arrested at that time.

The State was represented by Deputy State’s Attorney Nanci Hamm.

J. Charles Smith, III

State’s Attorney for Frederick County, Maryland