Six individuals have pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution charges following an operation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Jackson, Mississippi. The investigation began in September 2024 as a street-level effort to identify and pursue narcotics traffickers in the area.
During the four-month operation, ATF agents conducted controlled purchases of illegal drugs and executed search warrants at three different residences in Jackson. Authorities seized fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, cocaine base, ecstasy, firearms, ammunition, and two ballistic vests.
The six defendants who entered guilty pleas are Stevenson Bentley (46), Michael Murrell (61), Lorenzo Loggins (35), David Ransom (56), Rodrick Hunter (48), and Brian Hobson (35), all residents of Jackson. Each individual faces varying sentencing guidelines based on the type and amount of drug involved. Sentencing dates for each defendant are scheduled between August and November 2025.
A federal district court judge will determine final sentences after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson announced the convictions.
"The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, and the Capitol Police Department."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Brett Grantham are handling prosecution for these cases.
