Salisbury man convicted, sentenced in 2020 home invasion

SALISBURY, Md. – A Wicomico County judge has sentenced a Salisbury man for home invasion.

Marquel Taylor-James pleaded guilty earlier this week to home invasion, firearm use in a crime of violence, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The charges stem from an incident on January 19, 2020, when Taylor-James was recruited by two women to rob the victim of narcotics. The two females drove Taylor-James to the victim’s residence, where one of the females knocked on the door and identified herself to the victim. When the victim opened the door, Taylor-James stepped into the residence with a handgun and ordered the victim to the ground before stealing narcotics, cash, and personal property from the victim. During the home invasion, Taylor-James tried to conceal his identity by wearing a black ski mask. During the investigation, search warrants were executed on Taylor-James’ residence, where investigators recovered the black ski mask, a handgun, ammunition, and a large amount of cocaine.

Taylor-James was sentenced to 30 years in prison with all but 15 years suspended. He is ineligible for parole for at least ten years.