A Georgia man has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison for attempting to distribute a significant quantity of fentanyl sourced from Mexico. Ike Jackson, Jr., 38, of Lizella, Georgia, received a 200-month prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on May 12. Jackson had previously pleaded guilty on February 21 to one count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker commented on the case, stating: "Drug traffickers are gravely harming our communities by distributing dangerous substances like fentanyl." She emphasized the commitment to work with law enforcement in holding accountable those who distribute fentanyl.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked: "Jackson endangered countless lives by trafficking large quantities of deadly fentanyl," highlighting that the investigation's success demonstrates accountability for those involved in such activities.
Court documents revealed that on February 14, 2024, DEA agents were informed by a confidential source about an individual possessing two kilograms of fentanyl at Jackson’s address and matching his description. The source mentioned contact with a supplier from Mexico who provided this information.
The following day, agents organized a controlled purchase involving two kilograms of fentanyl from Jackson at either his home or a motel in Macon. Surveillance was set up at both locations; Jackson was apprehended as he left the motel by Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies.
In the motel room, agents discovered a black backpack containing a handheld radio labeled “IKE” and a headphone box sealed with tape. Inside were two packages totaling 1,713.7 grams of fentanyl. A recorded call from jail captured Jackson asking a family member to retrieve his "bag of clothes" (referring to the backpack) but was informed nothing remained in the room.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelby Brunette prosecuting for the government.
