MEMPHIS, TN – A federal grand jury has indicted 15 residents of Memphis, Tennessee, for their alleged involvement in an organized drug trafficking scheme. The indictment stems from activities between November 2023 and June 2024, during which the defendants are accused of distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana across the Memphis area.
During the investigation, authorities recovered two stolen vehicles and confiscated 29 firearms, five machinegun conversion devices, over $4,000 in cash, approximately 938 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 541 grams of fentanyl, approximately 200 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and 26.43 pounds of marijuana.
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The following individuals have been indicted:
– Brian Lackland, 34: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana; possession of firearms during drug trafficking crimes; felon in possession of firearms.
– Paul Nelson, 31: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine; felon in possession of firearms.
– Ebony Cobb, 41: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
– Jerrod Cox, 31: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
– Darius Moore, 38: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
– Edgar Smith, 38: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
– Mervin Anderson, 38: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
– Courtney Davis, 28: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
– Timothy Achols, 36: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
– Jehu Cruz, 23: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; possession of firearms during drug trafficking crimes.
– Mohamed Samba, 24: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; possession of firearms during drug trafficking crimes.
– Prentiss Broadway, 33: Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
– Braxton Beck, 32: Federal firearms offenses; felon in possession of firearms.
– Darion Allen, 28: Federal firearms offenses; felon in possession of firearms.
– Delifarroe Goins, 29: Federal firearms offenses; felon in possession of firearms.
If convicted, the defendants face varying penalties. Those charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana face up to five years in prison, while those involved in methamphetamine distribution could face up to 10 years. Defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl face a mandatory minimum of five or 10 years in prison, depending on the amount distributed, with a maximum penalty of life in prison. Possession of firearms during drug trafficking crimes also carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri and U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Multi-Agency Gang Unit, Memphis Police Department, Bartlett Police Department, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Trial Attorneys Amanda Kotula and Aaron Henricks of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Memphis Violent Crime Initiative, a joint effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement to address violent crime in Memphis.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Updated July 10, 2024
For more information, visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Criminal Division, Criminal – Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and USAO – Tennessee, Western websites.
Press Release Number: 24-864
Source: Read Original Release
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