Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Arminius D. Jones, a 49-year-old resident of Madison, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson delivered the sentence following Jones's guilty plea on March 21, 2025, to charges of distributing fentanyl and possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
Jones was involved in selling fentanyl pills to an undercover police officer in Madison on three occasions between May 15 and July 1, 2024. A subsequent search of his home on July 9, 2024, led to the discovery of approximately 7,000 fentanyl pills, cash from sales to the undercover officer totaling over $2,000 in additional funds, multiple digital scales and drug ledgers. Authorities also found a handgun with a loaded extended magazine and several boxes of ammunition near the drugs.
Judge Peterson noted during sentencing that Jones's level of drug dealing exceeded merely supporting a substance abuse habit. He highlighted concerns about Jones's potential return to crime due to gaps in his criminal history and emphasized the risks associated with dealing fentanyl due to its addictive nature and overdose potential. The presence of a firearm was considered an aggravating factor by Judge Peterson as it indicated awareness of possible violence.
The investigation leading to these charges was carried out by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, City of Madison Police Department, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted the case.
