Montgomery County police arrested Silver Spring man for drug and housing fraud | The Locally Times
Police seized 2.1 kilograms of cocaine and identified stolen records used to bypass rental background checks.
Montgomery County police arrested 38-year-old Silver Spring resident Wildy Cherubin on July 8, 2026, following an investigation into drug distribution and housing fraud. Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police Special Investigations Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division executed search warrants on July 8 and July 9, 2026, uncovering an operation that used stolen identities to secure residential leases. ## Seized Evidence Police seized approximately 2.1 kilograms of cocaine, 11 grams of crack cocaine, and four pounds of marijuana during the search. Officers also recovered $8,400 in cash and one firearm. The Montgomery County Police Department reports that Cherubin, also known as “Young Weegi,” used stolen personal information to rent an apartment used for drug distribution. Multiple agencies participated in the investigation, including the MCPD SWAT Team, the 4th District Community Action Team, and the 3rd and 4th District Special Assignment Teams. The Financial Crimes Unit documented the fraudulent use of identity records. The Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network, a state-funded program that provides resources for inter-agency investigations, provided grant funding for the operation. ## Housing Fraud Impact Using stolen identities to secure housing allows individuals to bypass standard background and credit checks. This practice can turn apartment units into hubs for illegal drug distribution. The Montgomery County Police Department has not released the number of victims whose identities were compromised in this case. ## Legal Status Police transported Cherubin to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, the facility where the county holds individuals following arrest, on July 8, 2026. He remains in custody without bond as of July 19, 2026. The Montgomery County Department of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration continue to process the evidence. ## Key Questions **What method of housing fraud did the suspect use?** Cherubin used stolen identities to bypass rental screening processes and secure an apartment for drug distribution. **What items did police seize during the operation?** Police recovered 2.1 kilograms of cocaine, 11 grams of crack cocaine, four pounds of marijuana, $8,400 in cash, and one firearm. **Is the suspect currently in custody?** Yes, Wildy Cherubin is held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit without bond as of July 19, 2026.