In Howard County, a father and son duo have been caught up in the law's net after a thorough police investigation into an alleged firearms trafficking operation. The Banner reported that the investigation, initiated by a tip received in July, culminated with both Ronald Kosh, 60, and his son Martese Kosh, 38, facing a host of serious charges.
The elder Kosh, from Ellicott City, and his son, residing in Frederick, were indicted on a combined 21 charges, as uncovered through the investigative works over several months by authorities. Having been tipped off about a possible individual peddling firearms within the county, undercover officers managed to purchase weapons from the younger Kosh, revealing the depth of their criminal enterprise. According to WBALTV, the sales included high-powered rifles and a revolver that had been reported stolen.
During the investigation, police actions led to Martese Kosh being caught red-handed on two separate occasions selling weapons out of a parking lot at the Days Inn along Washington Boulevard in Laurel. As the strings of this illegal operation were being tugged on, authorities discovered his father's involvement, orchestrating part of the operation from the Turf Motel, a stone's throw away.
The investigation uncovered more than just illegal firearms. Upon executing a search warrant at Ronald Kosh's apartment, detectives uncovered fentanyl, crack cocaine, heroin, and a variety of guns and ammunition. "It's hard to know that this stuff is still out on the streets and people are fighting every day to try and get this stuff off the streets, because they don't want their children involved in these things one day," Elizabeth Jones, a disturbed community member, told WBALTV.
Martese Kosh now faces 10 weapon charges, while Ronald Kosh is looking at 11 counts that include weapons and drug charges. Both are being detained without bond as their respective court dates loom in the new year.
