WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD – Christopher Shane Gonder, 33, of Waynesboro, PA, was arrested following a multi-jurisdictional investigation in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
The arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation involving the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Washington County Narcotics Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Hagerstown Resident Office.
In December of 2020, members of the Northwest Virginia Drug and Gang Task Force identified Christopher Shane Gonder and other members of a methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in the Washington County, Maryland, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Winchester, Virginia, Frederick County, Virginia, Warren County, Virginia, and Front Royal, Virginia areas. Investigators identified Gonder as a leader within the organization, and knew Gonder and other members would routinely travel between Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania selling and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine. During the investigation, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force completed multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Gonder in Frederick and Warren Counties in Virginia. Approximately ½ pound of methamphetamine with a street value of $6,000.00 was purchased from Gonder between December 2020 and March 2021.
On April 9, members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force arranged to purchase a ½ pound of methamphetamine from Christopher Gonder. When Gonder arrived at the prearranged location, members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office attempted to arrest Gonder. Gonder fled the scene driving an Infiniti G35 coupe. Gonder’s vehicle was pursued from Warren County, Virginia into Shenandoah County, Virginia. Gonder’s vehicle became disabled on Back Road near Toms Brook. Gonder was taken into custody by deputies with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Task Force Officers.
Following his arrest, members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force obtained and executed a search warrant on Gonder’s vehicle. After a search, approximately ½ pound of Methamphetamine with a street value of $6,000.00, 16 fluid ounces of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) with a street value $3,000.00, 5 grams of fentanyl with a street value of $500.00, and $3,500.00 in US Currency was seized. GHB is a powerful depressant that affects the central nervous system. GHB is commonly referred to as “date rape drug” on the street.
In addition, members of the Washington County Narcotics Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Hagerstown Resident Office executed a search warrant on a storage unit being rented by Gonder in Hagerstown, Maryland. Approximately 3/4 pound of methamphetamine with a street value of $9,000.00, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ammunition and $10,000.00 US Currency was seized. Gonder was charged with three counts of distribution of a schedule I/II controlled substance, two counts of transporting more than one ounce of a schedule I/ll controlled substance into the Commonwealth with the intent to sell or distribute, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II controlled substance in Virginia.
Additional charges against Christopher Gonder in Washington County, Maryland are forthcoming. The Washington County Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force (WV), Waynesboro Police Department (PA) and the Franklin County Drug Task Force (PA).
Gonder is currently at the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren Regional Jail.
