Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A Houston resident, Tamarious "Poogi" Faulkner, has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for his role as the leader of the Thorough Bread Family (TBF), a street gang involved in distributing fentanyl. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., who was joined by officials from various law enforcement agencies.
Faulkner, aged 28, led TBF in Jackson, Michigan, where the gang distributed a unique form of fentanyl that differed from the typical powder form. The gang's version had a rock-like crystalline texture and came in colors such as yellow, purple, or green. This distinct type of fentanyl coincided with an increase in overdoses and violence in Jackson.
A victim's mother attributed significant community harm to Faulkner's leadership: “Under his leadership, this gang has taken lives, destroyed families, and devastated an entire community.”
Jackson Police Chief Christopher A. Simpson observed positive changes following arrests: “Almost immediately rebounded . . . violent crime was cut in half . . . overdoses decreased."
Six co-conspirators have also received sentences ranging from five to ten years. U.S. Attorney Gorgon expressed gratitude for collaborative efforts against gangs: “Gangs bring drugs and death to our communities."
James Deir of ATF Detroit emphasized that these actions have made Jackson safer: “With Today’s sentencing, Jackson, Michigan is a safer place to live.” He added that those involved are now where they belong—federal prison.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Picek, Matthew Roth, and Craig Welkener are prosecuting the case.
