MINNEAPOLIS-Earlier today in federal court, two Rochester men pleaded guilty to distributing more than 280 grams of crack cocaine. Jimmy Joe Barker, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, while Quentin Graham, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of crack cocaine. Both men were indicted on November 5, 2012, and entered their pleas before United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen.
In his plea agreement, Barker admitted that from April 9, 2010, through April 3, 2012, he conspired with Graham and others to distribute approximately 412.9 grams of crack cocaine and 42 grams of powder cocaine. According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, authorities began investigating Barker in April 2010. They conducted several controlled purchases from him, and during many of those purchases, they observed him in a vehicle that later was determined to be owned by Graham.
While executing a search warrant at Barker’s residence on November 9, 2010, police seized $320 in cash, approximately 31.1 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately 42.3 grams of powder cocaine. Police also searched Graham’s vehicle, which was parked in front of Barker’s residence at the time. From that vehicle, they recovered approximately 124 grams of cocaine.
In his plea agreement, Graham admitted that on April 4, 2012, he traveled with Barker to Rochester Community College for the purpose of delivering narcotics to an individual. Graham specifically carried the bag of narcotics into a building and handed it to the individual, who, in turn, provided money to Barker. The bag contained 124.3 grams of crack cocaine.
For his crime, Graham faces a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison, with a mandatory minimum penalty of five years. Barker faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years. Judge Ericksen will determine their sentences at future hearings, yet to be scheduled.
This case is the result of an investigation by the South East Minnesota Narcotics and Gang Task Force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Rochester Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys LeeAnn K. Bell and Surya Saxena.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
