A Baltimore County man faces up to 18 months in prison for importing cocaine and igniting explosives in the middle of the night to annoy his Pikesville neighbors after pleading guilty to related charges Wednesday.
Prosecutors agreed to drop nine other charges against Frederick Mackler, 59, accused of hoarding drugs, ammunition and pyrotechnics in his fourth-floor condominium, startling neighbors with deafening blasts and blinding flashes for more than two years.
“Some of these residents actually moved the room that they slept in so they wouldn’t be affected by the bright flashes occurring at the same time as these bangs,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Kristin Blumer.
Blumer said she will recommend a 10-year prison sentence with all but 18 months suspended, followed by a lengthy probation. Government officials are trying to seize Mackler’s $550,000 condo on Brynmar Court, as well as the 12 handguns, an Uzi submachine gun, a rifle, two shotguns and more than 200 rounds of pyrotechnics — including 100 rounds of “birdbangers” and a gun used to fire them — found in the home during an April 28 raid.
Mackler, dressed in a suit, said little in court other than to respond to Circuit Court Judge John Turnbull’s questions with “yes, sir,” and “no sir.” Several family members and friends attended the proceedings, but declined to comment afterward.
Mackler’s attorneys said the retired lighting business owner was chronically depressed and self-medicating with cocaine. Police seized more than 200 grams of cocaine — carrying a street value of $15,000 to $20,000 — which Mackler said he purchased in Costa Rica.
“There is no record whatsoever Mr. Mackler ever sold cocaine,” said his attorney, Robert Schulman. “He had a habit of 4 grams a day, sometimes 6 grams a day.”
Mackler had been awaiting trial on home detention at his brother’s house until July, when he tested positive for cocaine and was recommitted to the Baltimore County Detention Center. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 10.
[email protected]
