Jackson, TN - Tammy Ranger, 55, has been sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
This is the latest sentencing in a case involving multiple defendants including Rolando Lopez, Saul Vega Flores, Virginia Torres, Ronald Lynn Parham, Daniel Ranger, Kennett Garrett, Marcus Jones, and Xavier Demetrius James on charges of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Roland Lopez, the leader of the Drug Trafficking Organization, was previously sentenced August 6, 2019 to life imprisonment.
According to information presented in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation into Rolando Lopez and his drug trafficking organization in March of 2017. Agents discovered that Lopez and other co-conspirators were trafficking in methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and other illegal substances from Mexico to Tennessee. Investigators used "wiretaps" along with other surveillance, confidential sources, traffic stops, and search warrants to investigate this organization.
In April 2017, agents received information from a confidential informant regarding a home in Davidson County, Tennessee, where Lopez and his brother were conducting drug related activity. A search warrant was executed at the residence where over $500,000 in cash, a money counter, and a vacuum sealer were recovered. As the investigation developed, on Feb. 28, 2017, it was learned that Daniel Ranger was stopped in Lawrence County, TN with $10,241, a gun, body armor, and 5 grams of ICE. On October 7, 2017, Ranger was arrested by Perry County, TN law enforcement officers with $98,360 dollars in United States currency, a few grams of meth, and some legend drugs. Then on Oct. 24, 2017, while operating a motor vehicle, Ranger fell asleep while driving and had an automobile accident. He was observed hiding items from his vehicle in the woods.
Ranger then called his wife to come to the scene of the accident to retrieve the remainder of the narcotics he could not hide. Within 10-12 yards of the wreck a cooler with 222 grams of 95% pure ICE, weed, $20,000 and a drug ledger was recovered at the accident scene.
Agents were notified about the accident and set up surveillance on the Lobelville home of Daniel and Tammy Ranger. Agents observed several people visiting the location for short periods, consistent with drug deals. While at the location, Tammy Ranger pulled up in a car where both methamphetamine and firearms were recovered in the vehicle. Both Tammy and Daniel Ranger gave consent to agents to search their residence. Found during this search was 734 grams of methamphetamine, (approximately a pound and a half of 96% pure ICE), 208 grams of fentanyl, and 12 firearms. Also recovered were several more firearms, an AR-15 and a shotgun which were located under the stairwell. Tammy was advised of her Miranda rights and agreed to make a statement. Tammy stated that they were getting their ICE from a Mexican named "TT." It was learned during the investigation that "TT" was Rolando Lopez.
Tammy Ranger was held responsible for between 10,000 kilograms and 30,000 kilograms of converted drug weight to include 1.28 kilograms of marijuana, 14,680 kilograms of methamphetamine, ICE, and 520 kilograms of Fentanyl, for a total of 15,201.28 kilograms. Tammy also received a firearm enhancement.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Drug distribution conspiracies are not victimless crimes. Methamphetamine causes significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths. Those who choose to engage in such lawlessness will pay the price with a long prison sentence."
On August 6, 2019, United States Chief District Court Judge Thomas S. Anderson sentenced Tammy Ranger to 120 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Nashville, Jackson, Atlanta DEA offices, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 23rd Judicial Drug Task Force, Metro Nashville Police Department, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Lawrenceburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Jackson Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Obion County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
