Seven individuals from Georgia have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine through an online marketplace. The federal indictment alleges that the group used a dark web vendor account, "WallStreetBets," to ship thousands of parcels containing illegal drugs across the United States, including in the Middle District of Georgia.
The defendants, identified as Steven Ehizojie Oboite, Eric Xavier Bechet, Jabari Ayinde Cooper, Rashad Cortese Kinloch, Myron Ned Stodghill, Reginald Tyrone Douglas, and Joshua Jamal Charles, face charges that could result in life imprisonment. All but two were remanded to federal custody following their arraignment hearings.
According to the indictment, Oboite and Bechet controlled the WallStreetBets vendor accounts on several dark web markets. They allegedly distributed large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine starting before March 2021. The packages reportedly shared common features such as padded envelopes and prepaid shipping labels purchased with cryptocurrency.
Federal agents executed search warrants on May 19 in metro Atlanta locations, seizing significant quantities of drugs and firearms among other items. The investigation is part of an FBI-led Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) operation involving multiple agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is handling the prosecution for the government. Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case or potential overdoses from WallStreetBets purchases to contact the FBI Atlanta Field Office.
An indictment represents allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
