A Houston resident, Tamarious "Poogi" Faulkner, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of over 400 grams of fentanyl. Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck made the announcement in Detroit.

Faulkner led the Thorough Bread Family (TBF), a gang based in Jackson, Michigan. He admitted to leading a conspiracy involving the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl with unique characteristics. Unlike typical fentanyl sold in powder form, TBF's version was rock-like and colored yellow, purple, or blue.

Several co-conspirators have already been sentenced for their involvement: Demond Johns received 128 months; Dominque Faulkner got 126 months; Zaire Faulkner was sentenced to 120 months; Demarquan Smith also received 120 months; Tommy Owens was given 87 months; and Mario Murguia received a sentence of 60 months.

"As is so often the case when drugs and gangs intersect, TBF wreaked havoc on a community by peddling poison and protecting their drug business with violence," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Beck. She emphasized that federal and local agencies will continue to pursue such cases aggressively.

James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division, remarked on the significance of this plea for Jackson's community safety. "Today’s guilty plea is a huge win for the Jackson community," he said.

Tamarious Faulkner is scheduled for sentencing on April 29, 2025, before Judge Stephen J. Murphy III. He faces a minimum sentence of ten years with potential life imprisonment.

The investigation involved collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies including ATF, Michigan State Police, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Picek, Matthew Roth, and Craig Welkener.