A Canton man has admitted guilt in a methamphetamine distribution case. Joe Santakeye Jones, 51, pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Jackson to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The incident occurred near the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians' Reservation in Neshoba County.
Jones is set for sentencing on May 1, 2025. He faces a minimum sentence of ten years and could be sentenced to life imprisonment. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw from the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Regional Agent in Charge Whitney Woodruff from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The investigation involved the Choctaw Police Department, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns.
