Fugitive sought in ‘sophisticated’ drug scheme across state lines – Baltimore Sun

Samuel Lee Rose, 43, is on the FBI’s Most Wanted list with a $25,000 reward attached to his name.

Rose is one of 18 people named in a 2022 federal drug indictment. According to the FBI, he’s wanted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine hydrochloride, as well as numerous aiding and abetting charges.

The federal indictment, which was unsealed in November 2022 details the takedown of the operation where investigators say large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine were being moved from Hagerstown to Berkeley County, West Virginia.

Investigators say members used a business to conceal its “sophisticated operation,” including where they laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds.

The state was the first to build its case while using a confidential informant, according to the FBI.

Investigators say Rose distributed seven grams of cocaine to the undercover officer, which led to his arrest in June 2021.

Federal investigators stepped in the following month and charged Rose and 18 other people with 29 criminal counts. According to the indictment, Rose conducted more than two dozen sales, including in person and over the telephone, during a nearly year-long period.

In all, investigators say agents seized 8.6 kilograms or more than 18 pounds of cocaine, 1.2 kilograms or nearly 3 pounds of heroin, and 12 ounces or nearly a pound of crack cocaine.

Authorities have yet to track down Rose, who is wanted by local and federal police for at least three crimes.

Investigators confirm Rose was on probation at the time of this drug trafficking operation for a 2008 felony drug distribution conviction. In that case, Rose was sentenced to 11 years in prison plus five years supervised probation.

Rose is now wanted for violating the terms of his post-conviction. Court records also show Rose has an outstanding warrant for a 2000 gun charge in Prince George’s County.