The Carroll County State’s Attorney has announced indictments related to a traffic stop in Westminster on April 29, 2024. The charges include possession with intent to distribute over 61 grams of suspected fentanyl, as well as other related offenses.
Carroll County State’s Attorney, Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., announces that a Carroll County Grand Jury handed down indictment related to a traffic stop that occurred at Westbound Taneytown Pike and Hughes Shop Road in Westminster on April 29, 2024.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, a Carroll County Grand Jury indicted Brian K. Smeltzer 52 years old, from Hedgesville, Maryland on ten counts and Samantha Renae Arbogast, 43 years old, from Clear Brooke, Virginia, on six counts in connection with a traffic stop that occurred at Westbound Taneytown Pike and Hughes Shop Road in Westminster on April 29, 2024. The top count against both is Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, namely, fentanyl, a felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. In addition to other drug-related charges, Smeltzer is also charged with several traffic offenses.
It is alleged that on April 29th, 2024, at approximately 2:51 p.m., a Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on patrol in the area of Taneytown Pike and Hughes Shop Road in Westminster when he observed a silver Chrysler Town and County van travelling at what appeared to be greater than the posted 55 mile per hour limit. The Deputy then initiated a traffic stop and found that neither the driver, Smeltzer, or the front seat passenger, Arbogast, not had a valid driver’s license, and that there was an arrest warrant from Frederick County for Smeltzer.
Based on this information and the Deputy’s observations, Smeltzer was detained, and a K-9 was requested to conduct a scan for controlled dangerous substances. A K-9 from Westminster Police Department arrived on scene and conducted the scan, resulting in a positive alert. During the subsequent search of the vehicle, the passenger, Arbogast, was observed throwing an item under the Deputy’s patrol vehicle. She was also detained, and the item was found to be a green plastic container with suspected crack cocaine.
During the search of the vehicle, the Deputy located a large plastic bag with approximately 100 empty gel capsules, 61 grams of suspected fentanyl, 33 grams of suspected cocaine, .5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and a digital scale. Smeltzer was also found to have over $1,000 of U.S. currency in various denominations. Smeltzer remains in the custody of the Carroll County Detention Center without bond, while Arbogast was released on her own recognizance. A June 14, 2024, initial appearance is scheduled for both in the Circuit Court for Carroll County.
Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker remarked, “Eliminating the deadly threat posed by fentanyl is a top priority of this office – the average deadly dose is 2 milligrams, 61 grams of fentanyl is enough to kill over 30,000 people,” and he added, “Let those who come to Carroll to deal this poison be warned, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Individuals who are charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Previous article from The Observer on this topic:
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people for possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances after conducting a traffic stop
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