Murder USA: Rodney “Cuz” Coby & Steven Jerome found guilty of dealing fatal doses of fentanyl; Jerome guilty of causing the death of his mother with a fatal dose

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Murder USA: Rodney “Cuz” Coby & Steven Jerome guilty of causing the death of a junkie by selling Fentanyl

“Cuz” Coby faces twenty years in federal prison after being found guilty for causing the death of a junkie by selling fentanyl.
Law Enforcement Also Recovered Five Firearms from Defendant’s Apartment Which He Used in Furtherance of His Drug Trafficking

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel April 13, 2022, sentenced Rodney Mondell Coby, a/k/a “Cuz,” 33, of Waldorf, Maryland, to 40 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.  A federal jury convicted Coby of those crimes on February 28, 2020, after a seven-day trial.

Judge Hazel ordered Coby to pay restitution in the amount of $935, reflecting the expense of cremation for the victim, whom the jury found died from Coby’s distribution of fentanyl to the victim.  Judge Hazel also ordered Coby to forfeit $22,000 in cash, jewelry, including a Rolex watch, and the firearms seized from his residence.  Coby has been in custody since his arrest on April 13, 2018. 

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Jarod A. Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Washington Field Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry.

“Rodney Coby knew that the fentanyl he was distributing was killing people, but he continued anyway,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron.  “This sentence should put drug dealers on notice that when you deal fentanyl you are dealing death and you could spend decades in federal prison—especially if you use guns to ply your trade.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the tragic deaths resulting from opioid overdoses.”

UPDATE: “Cuz” Convicted After One-Week Trial on Federal Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy Charges, Including Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death

Faces at Least 20 Years in Federal Prison; Law Enforcement Recovered Five Firearms from Defendant’s Apartment

Steven Roger Jerome pleaded guilty on federal counts of causing death by selling Fentanyl Aug. 27, 2018

Drug Dealer Steve Jerome Killed His Mother with Fatal Dose of Fentanyl

Prosecutor: Steven Jerome, 33, of Leonardtown, Maryland, pleaded guilty before trial to distributing fentanyl.  As detailed in his plea agreement, two individuals, including Jerome’s mother, died as a result of his distributing fentanyl to them. 

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury on Feb. 20, 2020, convicted Rodney Mondell Coby, a/k/a “Cuz,” age 31, of Waldorf, Maryland, on the federal charges of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. 

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The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur.

U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “Rodney Coby knew that the fentanyl he was distributing was killing people, but he continued anyway.  Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution—especially when they use guns to ply their trade.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the tragic deaths resulting from opioid overdoses.”

“Coby was dealing fentanyl, a dangerous drug that is killing far too many people in the DMV,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jesse Fong.  “Cases like this are a great example of the work we are doing, side-by-side with our local law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors, to send a resounding message that drug dealers who callously profit by distributing deadly drugs in our neighborhoods will be held accountable.”

According to the evidence presented at his seven-day trial, Coby and his co-defendant, Steven Jerome, distributed fentanyl to an individual on September 6, 2017, resulting in the death of the victim. 

Because there was an unrelated warrant for Jerome’s arrest, however, Jerome did not call first responders or otherwise seek help for the individual.

According to Steven Jerome’s plea agreement, after meeting with Coby for the drug transaction, Jerome and the individual used the fentanyl that Coby distributed. The individual immediately showed signs of overdosing. Because there was an unrelated warrant for Jerome’s arrest, however, Jerome did not call first responders or otherwise seek help for the individual. Instead, Jerome drove the individual from Waldorf to the St. Clement Shores neighborhood of St. Mary’s County and walked to his mother’s house. Jerome’s mother then called first responders, who were unable to resuscitate the individual. 

Further, the evidence introduced at trial also proved that Coby distributed fentanyl on November 29, 2017, resulting in the death of a second victim. 

On April 13, 2018, law enforcement recovered five firearms from Coby’s apartment, including a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol from Coby; a .357-caliber semi-automatic pistol; a 5.7x28mm semi-automatic pistol; a .300-caliber semi-automatic AR-type pistol, a 7.62×39 caliber semi-automatic AK type pistol, as well as 159 rounds of various types of ammunition.  The .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol was found in a backpack next to 121 individual baggies of fentanyl and a bag of cocaine base. As such, the jury determined that Coby possessed the .45-caliber pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking.  During the execution of a search warrant at Coby’s apartment, law enforcement officers recovered a total of over 200 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, over 40 grams of cocaine base, 12 cell phones, a money counter, four digital scales, over $22,000 in U.S. currency, and jewelry including a Rolex, gold chain, and gold and diamond grills.  Moreover, Coby had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.  

Coby faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison for the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.  Coby also faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for the conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.  U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has not yet scheduled sentencing for Coby.  Coby has been in custody since his arrest on April 13, 2018.  

Steven Jerome, 33, of Leonardtown, Maryland, pleaded guilty before trial to distributing fentanyl.  As detailed in his plea agreement, two individuals, including Jerome’s mother, died as a result of his distributing fentanyl to them.  Jerome admitted to one of his associates that he worked with Coby to distribute narcotics.  Jerome and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Jerome will be sentenced to 150 months in federal prison.  Judge Hazel has scheduled sentencing for Jerome on June 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. 

GREENBELT, MD.  – In the continuing and never-ending baloney thrown at the public by elected States Attorneys in Southern Maryland who regularly allow drug dealers to skate on serious charges, a St. Mary’s County drug dealer has new charges against him now in federal court which could free him from the grasp of daily life trying to make a living selling death to junkies and provide him with the security of three hots and a federal cot.

A federal grand jury on Aug. 27, 2018, returned a superseding indictment charging Rodney Mondell Coby, a/k/a “Cuz,” 29, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Steven Jerome, of Leonardtown, Maryland, with the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.  Coby is also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.  Coby was initially indicted on the drug distribution and gun charges on May 21, 2018.  The superseding indictment added Jerome as a new defendant and three counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

U.-S.-Attorney-for-Maryland-Robert-K.-Hur

U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “We are determined to reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths in Maryland.  We’re particularly targeting those who sell fentanyl, the drug that is killing the most of our citizens.  Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution.”

The six-count superseding indictment alleges that Coby and Jerome distributed fentanyl to an individual on September 6, 2017, resulting in death.  Further, the indictment charges Coby and Jerome individually with distributing fentanyl on November 29, 2017, and March 27, 2018, respectively, resulting in death.  Coby is also charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing five semi-automatic pistols and 159 rounds of various types of ammunition.

Coby and Jerome face a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison for each of two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

Coby also faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.  Coby has been in custody since his arrest on April 13, 2018.

Jerome is also detained on unrelated state charges.

CONVICTED DRUG DEALER LIVES IN WATERFRONT HOME BUT HAS FREE ATTORNEY PAID FOR BY TAXPAYERS

Steven Roger Jerome indicted on federal counts of causing death by selling Fentanyl Aug. 27, 2018
“Cuz” Coby faces twenty years in federal prison after his indictment by a Grand Jury for causing the death of a junkie by selling fentanyl.
THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY Audible Edition Vol 11 No 2 perfect for commuters for keeping up with crime news

Steven Roger Jerome, of 39539 Potomac Avenue, Leonardtown, Md., which is located on St. Clements Bay in St. Clement’s Shores, was charged in Calvert County District Court on July 13, 2017, with three counts of possession of heroin and paraphernalia.

With a free attorney, Luke Woods of the Public Defender’s Office, representing him, Jerome won a plea deal from Calvert States Attorney Laura Martin with all three charges put on the Stet Docket on May 3, 2018. These charges may see new life as a result of his current indictment.

In the sticky wicket of Calvert County Circuit Court, an indictment was issued by the Grand Jury on Oct. 21, 2014, against Steven Roger Jerome, charging him with dealing drugs, conspiring to distribute drugs along with co-defendant Christina Marie Maier. With Del Lynch, a free attorney provided by the taxpayers working magic with Calvert County States Attorney Laura Martin, Jerome entered an Alford Plea on March 23, 2015, to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to distribute drugs. THE DEAL: Jerome got a sentence of 18 months in the local Calvert Jail, avoiding prison.

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