‘Stop Snitching’ cameraman convicted of drug crime with help from informant

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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The cameraman from the “Stop Snitching” DVD was convicted of drug crimes late Wednesday after police said they were aided by an anonymous tip.

A federal jury convicted Akiba Matthews, 35, of Baltimore, of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession of a gun by a convicted felon.

“The Baltimore ‘Stop Snitching’ DVD helped to produce an unprecedented era of law enforcement coordination that has brought a record-breaking reduction in violent crime,” Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein said in a statement.

On Nov. 15, an anonymous tipster reported that a man in a white van was selling drugs at South Collins and Frederick avenues.

Baltimore City police officers responded and observed a man — later identified as Matthews, the cameraman from the first “Stop Snitching” video — involved in a drug transaction, prosecutors said.

A search of Matthews’ vehicle upon his arrest recovered 58 gel caps of heroin and a loaded .40 caliber Smith &Wesson  handgun.

“Repeat offenders who carry guns now understand that they face the likelihood of federal criminal prosecution under the Maryland EXILE program,” Rosenstein said. “This case demonstrates that the ‘Stop Snitching’ campaign has failed in Baltimore because most citizens do not want drug dealers and violent criminals in their neighborhoods. The ‘Stop Snitching’ campaign was nothing more than a cynical ploy by drug-dealing thugs to intimidate citizens who want safe neighborhoods.”

Matthews faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced Aug. 7 in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.

Police have arrested and charged several people involved with the “Stop Snitching” videos. Most recently, “Skinny Suge,” the host of the original “Stop Snitching” DVD, was arrested on charges of threatening to retaliate against a store owner who refused to sell the “Stop Snitching 2” DVD.

On Feb. 14, Ronnie Thomas was upset that a store owner would not sell “Stop Snitching 2” and allegedly said gang members would attack the store, according to a federal indictment.

lbroadwater@baltimoreexaminer.com

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