A federal jury has convicted Fredrick Dywane Campbell, 51, and Ramonz Payne, 45, both of Meridian, Mississippi, for conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine and marijuana. The verdict follows evidence that from at least November 2019 through July 2020, Campbell coordinated with suppliers in Texas and Alabama to obtain approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine imported from Mexico. The drugs were then distributed to other dealers in the Meridian area for further sale. The conspiracy also involved the distribution of marijuana.
Payne was found guilty of participating in the same conspiracy with Campbell and others to possess and distribute cocaine and marijuana.
Other individuals charged in connection with this case have already entered guilty pleas. Americo Aldrete of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, and is scheduled for sentencing on October 22, 2025. Billy Wilson of Cuba, Alabama, also pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025; his sentencing is set for later that day. James Green of Meridian was sentenced on July 11, 2024, to ten years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release; he was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and a $100 special assessment. Jeffery Jennings of Meridian pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025; his sentencing is scheduled for November 5, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi announced the convictions along with Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Reidell; Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell; Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director Phillip Pope; and Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun III.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force under the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla J. Clark and Samuel P. Goff prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative led by the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration as well as transnational criminal organizations such as drug cartels. The program combines resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) to address violent crime across communities.
