Twelve individuals involved in a drug trafficking operation have been sentenced for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana across Tennessee and other states. The sentences were announced by Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Investigations into this case began in 2022, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The authorities tracked large shipments of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills marked "M30," along with methamphetamine and marijuana being sent from California to Tennessee and 16 other states. Matthew Cox was identified as the person responsible for shipping these packages.
The investigation revealed discussions among defendants on social media regarding drug prices, shipments, and quality. Quortez Duncan sought stronger pills from Cox to increase addiction among customers for higher profits. Although Cox attempted to send such pills to Duncan, agents intercepted them.
On July 25, 2022, HSI agents seized a package containing thousands of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills weighing over two kilograms and more than eight pounds of methamphetamine at a UPS Store in Sebastopol, California. Additional packages intercepted on August 9 contained similar substances.
Search warrants executed at multiple residences in California and Tennessee resulted in the recovery of firearms, cash, luxury vehicles, marijuana, and counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills.
“Stopping the trafficking of deadly fentanyl is a major priority of the Department of Justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “These successful prosecutions demonstrate our continued commitment to hit fentanyl traffickers with the full force of the law.”
Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico commented on the conspiracy's impact: “These defendants took part in a cross-country conspiracy that brought significant amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana to Tennessee.”
Each defendant faced charges related to distributing controlled substances; three also faced firearm possession charges after previous felony convictions.
The sentences are as follows:
- Quortez Duncan: 15 years
- Mathew Cox: 11 years and 8 months
- Jonny Rodriguez-Gonzalez: 11 years and 2 months
- Ricardo Molinero-Alcarez: 10 years
- Khyre McClain: 10 years
- Davontay Holt: 10 years
- Marcus Johnson: 5 years
- Tristain Orr: 5 years
- Ethan Kimes: 2 years
- Marquitues Sawyers: 1 year and 8 months
Jahari Armstrong received three years probation while Jaydan Armstrong was also sentenced to three years probation.
The investigation was carried out by several agencies including the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; FBI Nashville Field Office; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed Safeeullah and Rachel Stephens prosecuted this case.
