A Baltimore City high school basketball coach has been denied bond following his arrest on multiple felony drug distribution and possession charges, according to court records.
Jamar Briscoe, 35, was ordered held without bond after prosecutors presented evidence tying him to a large-scale drug operation involving cocaine and fentanyl. Briscoe is facing 10 criminal counts, including drug distribution, possession, and conspiracy-related charges.
A spokesperson for Baltimore City Public Schools confirmed that Briscoe served as a basketball coach at Baltimore’s Polytechnic Institute, one of the city’s most prominent public high schools.
Details of the arrest
According to charging documents obtained by local media, Briscoe and another suspect, Kevin Toppin Jr., were taken into custody on January 31 after investigators followed them to an apartment building near West Forest Park Avenue.
Police said both men were seen carrying a large black bag as they exited the apartment. Officers detained them outside the building while executing a previously obtained search warrant.
Inside the apartment and the bag, investigators recovered what they described as large quantities of suspected narcotics, including:
- More than three kilograms of suspected cocaine
- More than six kilograms of suspected fentanyl
- Additional drug paraphernalia consistent with large-scale distribution
In charging documents, investigators stated the total volume seized represents quantities “few drug dealers can achieve,” highlighting the seriousness of the case.
Authorities also noted that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, adding that the amount recovered could represent millions of potentially fatal doses.
Federal involvement in investigation
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Baltimore Police Department. Officials said the collaboration was part of a broader effort to disrupt high-level drug trafficking operations in the Baltimore area.
Both Briscoe and Toppin were formally charged following the seizure and remain in custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
Community reaction raises concerns
News of the arrest has sparked concern among parents and community members, particularly given Briscoe’s role as a school coach and district employee.
Some parents expressed shock that someone in a trusted position within the school system could be accused of involvement in such serious criminal activity.
“You don’t think about that as a parent,” said Tay Warthen, a Medfield resident. “You’re sending your child to a place that should be safe without worrying about drugs or things like this.”
Others emphasized the importance of parental awareness and involvement.
“Keep your kids’ safety a priority,” said De’Ontae Jackson of Mount Washington. “Know who they’re around and who they’re talking to. You don’t expect something like this from Poly.”
What happens next
Briscoe is scheduled to return to court on February 25, where prosecutors are expected to continue presenting evidence. It remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed as the investigation continues.
School officials have not released details about Briscoe’s employment status beyond confirming his coaching role, citing the ongoing legal process.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities say more information may be released as court proceedings move forward.
