An indictment has been unsealed in Birmingham, Alabama, charging 14 individuals in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy. The charges involve various controlled substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Eight of the accused have been arrested, while five were already in custody for other offenses, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
The 59-count indictment in U.S. District Court names several defendants, including Eddie Jerry Jones, also known as "Boss," from Fairfield, Alabama. The charges span from the conspiracy to distribute various drugs and using a telephone to facilitate drug-related crimes to the possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
"Eddie Jones is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm," said Escalona, noting that the sentence for this offense could be up to 15 years. Others, like McKinney and Rollins Jr., face a minimum of five years for firearm-related charges.
Special provisions in the indictment address the amount of narcotics linked to each defendant in the conspiracy. The potential penalty for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute can be life imprisonment. Additionally, each count related to using a phone in drug crimes could lead to four years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Escalona emphasized the collaborative efforts in handling the case. She said, “My office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to relentlessly investigate and prosecute drug trafficking organizations in our District, particularly those that distribute deadly fentanyl into the community and use firearms to commit their crimes.”
DEA Special Agent Steven Hofer stated, “The 59-count indictment underscores the unwavering commitment of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten our communities.” The investigation highlights the ripple effects of drug distribution beyond its immediate jurisdiction.
ATF Acting Special Agent Jason Stankiewicz highlighted the continuing issue of drug trafficking and gun violence, affirming cooperation with various law enforcement bodies. Meanwhile, IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office’s Demetrius Hardeman remarked on the collective efforts to combat drug networks that impact community safety. FBI Birmingham Acting Special Agent Christopher DiMenna also confirmed continued collaboration for public safety.
Birmingham Chief of Police Michael Pickett praised the dedication of all involved in the operation, expressing a focused intent on disrupting drug networks.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, ATF, IRS, FBI, and Birmingham Police, with support from the U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, and local police departments, among others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison J. Garnett, Brett A. Janich, and Kristy M. Peoples oversee prosecution efforts.
This operation is part of the broader "Operation Take Back America," which intends to eliminate transnational criminal organizations and protect communities from violent crimes. It emphasizes the resources of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.
The indictment itself is not an indication of guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
