Felicia “Snoop” Pearson’s character on the HBO TV series “The Wire” was a malicious hit woman who remained under the law enforcement’s radar because she rarely used cellphones or other traceable devices.
Ironically, Pearson was arrested in real life after her voice was caught on a wire tap during a Baltimore drug sting. Known as “Operation Usual Suspects,” the sting implicated 64 people who were involved in transporting and selling marijuana and heroin in California, New York and Baltimore.
On Aug. 8, Pearson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Her attorney struck a deal with the district attorney one day before her trial was to begin. Pearson received credit for time served and a suspended seven-year prison sentence. She will only have to serve three years of supervised probation.
Pearson will also be allowed to leave Maryland and travel to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. After escaping a prison sentence and being given a second chance at life, the diminutive actress would be wise to refrain from allowing her life to imitate art.
Facts About Baltimore’s Drug Trade
-10,000 drug dealers are serving 65,000 cocaine and heroin users in Baltimore.
-Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon estimated that drug dealers on Pennsylvania Avenue earn over $10 million per year.
-Drug dealers are now using delivery services to smuggle drugs instead of shipping on highways. They are able to track shipments online.
-Many lower level dealers in Baltimore have been displaced after the cost of a Kilo of cocaine was raised to $32,000 after being $23,000 four years prior.
-Baltimore averages 40 homicides per 100,000 residents. More than half of the killings are connected to the drug trade.
–amir shaw
