A Meridian, Mississippi resident, Timothy Lavelle Cole, has been sentenced to 188 months in prison following charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentencing took place on June 17th.
Court documents revealed that the East Mississippi Drug Task Force conducted two controlled methamphetamine purchases from Cole at his residence in April 2024. A subsequent search of his home uncovered various controlled substances, distribution paraphernalia, and a firearm. Among the substances found was 101.4 grams of fentanyl. Due to prior convictions for controlled substance offenses, Cole was classified as a career offender under sentencing guidelines. He pleaded guilty on February 11, 2025.
The announcement came from Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. The investigation involved the ATF and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff prosecuted the case.
This case was part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative led by the Department of Justice and Homeland Security aiming to combat illegal immigration and criminal organizations.
