A Wicomico County Circuit Court judge on Monday sentenced Byron Maurice Smiley, age 29, of Salisbury, to 10 years active incarceration within the Maryland Division of Correction which is a mandatory, non-parole eligible sentence for the charge of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

Minutes later, the same judge imposed a consecutive 15-year prison sentence for a subsequent Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine charge.  Both of the sentences imposed on March 22nd were ordered to run consecutive to any other sentences Smiley is obligated to serve.

The total sentence amount is 25 years of active incarceration within the Maryland Division of Corrections with 10 of those 25 years being a mandatory, non-parole eligible sentence. The 10 year minimum mandatory, non-parole eligible sentence is based upon Smiley’s status as a repeat offender and his prior convictions for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

The events at issue in the first case began on Sept. 3, when members of the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force and the Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at 2509 N. Zion Road, Salisbury.  Upon entry into the residence, officers located Byron Maurice Smiley asleep in the front bedroom.  At the time that entry was made, Smiley was the only person located in the home.  A search of the residence lead to the recovery of 139.9 grams of suspected cocaine, 3.8 grams of suspected marijuana, ammunition and $1,022 in U.S. currency.

The events at issue in the second case occurred while Smiley was out on bond in the first case and pending trial on the felony drug charges.  On Jan. 11, members of the Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle being operated by Smiley in the area of 804 East Railroad Avenue, Salisbury.  Based on events which transpired during the traffic stop, Smiley was placed under arrest.  A subsequent search of Smiley’s person resulted in the recovery of 3.37 grams of Cocaine which Smiley had secreted in his buttocks.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit and the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case.  Mr. Maciarello also thanked Patrizia J. Coletta who prosecuted Smiley.   

For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or visit wicomicosao.com.