Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
Joseph Twilley, a 65-year-old resident of Detroit, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison. United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson handed down the sentence for Twilley's role in leading a drug trafficking network that distributed large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck announced the sentencing.
Beck was joined by Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Charles E. Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Detroit Field Division.
Twilley managed to acquire kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin during the COVID-19 pandemic when drug prices rose sharply due to limited supply. The DEA and FBI's investigation led to the seizure of 15 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a vehicle shipped from California. A search of Twilley's home uncovered additional drugs, firearms, and bulk currency. The IRS found that Twilley laundered hundreds of thousands through various bank accounts linked to businesses he created to conceal his drug profits.
"Our office works collaboratively with our federal law enforcement partners to hold drug traffickers accountable for distributing opioids and other illegal drugs into our communities while profiting handsomely and trying to hide and launder their drug proceeds," said Acting U.S. Attorney Beck.
"Illegal drug distribution operations like the one Mr. Twilley was overseeing ravage the very foundation of our communities," said Andrew Lawton from the DEA.
"The sentencing of Joseph Twilley sends a clear and powerful message: those who orchestrate the distribution of illegal drugs, engage in money laundering, and illegally possess firearms will be held fully accountable under the law," stated Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI's Detroit Field Office.
“This sentencing signals an important victory for the American public,” said Charles Miller from IRS Criminal Investigations.
The case was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Southeast Regional Strike Force. This initiative involves multi-agency task force teams working together on intelligence-driven operations targeting significant criminal organizations. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrea Hutting and Rajesh Prasad prosecuted the case.
