U.S. Attorney Mark A. Totten | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced that Joseph Michael McNoriell, also known as Mike X, from Detroit, has been sentenced to 110 months in federal prison. McNoriell was convicted for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The verdict was delivered on April 18, 2024, following a three-day jury trial.
"Mr. McNoriell helped traffic illegal street drugs across our state, which eventually made it into our neighborhoods – these poisons destroy lives and devastate communities," stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. He added that while prosecution alone cannot solve the problem, efforts will continue to dismantle drug supply lines in Michigan.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that McNoriell collaborated with others to transport two kilograms of cocaine from southeast Michigan to Lansing. On June 2, 2022, he used a female drug courier driving a separate vehicle while he followed her in his car to make the delivery. However, investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) anticipated this move and seized the two kilograms of cocaine from the courier's vehicle.
"This investigation emphasizes the mission of the DEA: combatting criminal drug networks like the one Mr. McNoriell was involved in," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. He emphasized their commitment to pursuing individuals and organizations prioritizing profit over human lives.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Michigan State Police, Lansing Police Department, and Holland Department of Public Safety. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vito S. Solitro and LaToyia T. Carpenter.
