A Memphis man has been sentenced to over nine years in prison for possessing more than 200 grams of fentanyl and several firearms, which were discovered during a search of his home. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence. The investigation, which began in May 2023, was conducted by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Memphis and detectives from the Bartlett Police Department. They were investigating the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl in the Memphis area. Myshun Jefferson, 21, was identified as a distributor and was found to be operating from two locations in Memphis. Controlled purchases were arranged at both properties.
Based on the information from these controlled purchases, search warrants were executed, and law enforcement discovered Jefferson at a residence on Baywood Avenue. At this location, they found more than 200 grams of a fentanyl mixture and four firearms. Among these was a Glock pistol with an unregistered device that allowed it to function as a machine gun. Two other firearms were also unlawfully modified, including another Glock pistol with an automatic device and a JTS 12-gauge short-barrel shotgun.
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In September 2023, Jefferson was indicted for possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty to the charges on September 4, 2024. On November 19, 2024, United States District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Jefferson to 117 months of incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Colin Jackson, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, stated that this sentence reflects the seriousness of illegal fentanyl distribution and firearm possession, which pose significant threats to public safety. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving HSI Memphis, the Bartlett Police Department, and assistance from the United States Customs and Border Patrol Laboratories in Savannah, Georgia.
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren expressed gratitude to Assistant United States Attorney Bryce H. Phillips, who prosecuted the case, and the various law enforcement agencies that contributed to the investigation. For more information, contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or X at @WDTNNews for updates.
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Maryville Man Convicted for Murder Plot Against FBI
Edward Kelley, a 35-year-old from Maryville, was convicted by a federal jury in Knoxville, Tennessee, for plotting to murder FBI employees while awaiting trial for his role in the January 6 Capitol riots. The charges, which include Conspiracy to Murder Federal Employees, could lead to a life sentence. Kelley allegedly created a “kill list” and planned attacks on FBI personnel using methods such as car bombs. The case was prosecuted with evidence including recordings and witness testimonials, underscoring the threat posed by Kelley and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement. Sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2025.