In a notable move that strengthens the fight against organized crime in Baltimore, recent indictments have put two alleged members of a murder-for-hire enterprise in the crosshairs of justice. State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates, along with various law enforcement leaders, announced the charges against Cornell Moore and Keith Russell, accused of running a criminal operation that engaged in extreme violence throughout the city, as per a statement reported by the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office.
Moore faces 41 counts, while Russell faces 37 counts, including First-Degree Murder and other serious offenses. These charges come from an informed Grand Jury, as both men maintain the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. This multi-year investigation, which State’s Attorney Bates referred to as "one of our office's most significant efforts," has uncovered layers of the defendants' involvement in murders, non-fatal shootings, and carjackings which have profoundly affected the local community, as detailed by the State's Attorney's Office.
Police Commissioner Richard Worley and ATF Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby expressed their appreciation for their teams' diligent efforts and the community partners who have contributed to these indictments, "we’re also showing that these criminal organizations will be dismantled and brought to justice every time. They will not get away with wreaking havoc on our communities and causing lasting trauma through violent actions," Worley stated, as the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office reported.
Moore and Russell are accused of committing murders and carjackings to eliminate rivals and hide profits from illegal activities through methods like using shell companies and bank accounts under minors' names. If convicted for the murders of seven people and other attempted killings, taking down their operation could mark a significant step in Baltimore's ongoing fight against gang violence.
The authorities request that anyone with information related to this case contact the Metro Crime Stoppers tipline at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.
