21 People Indicted for Trafficking Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Other Drugs
Twenty-one people in western Tennessee, including 13 from Hardeman County, are facing federal charges for their involvement in an organized drug trafficking scheme, according to recently unsealed indictments.
The charges are the culmination of a yearlong investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – in conjunction with the Selmer Police Department, Bolivar Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office.
“This collaborative effort reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguard our communities from the adverse effects of drug trafficking,” said Bolivar Police Department Chief Mike Jones. “We stand united in our dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Bolivar and Western Tennessee.”
According to court documents, between June 2021 and February 2023, the defendants are alleged to have worked together and with others to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout several counties. During the investigation, agents seized 16 firearms, $17,000 in cash, approximately 16,000 fentanyl pills, 15 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately four pounds of marijuana.
The charges announced yesterday span two criminal indictments. On February 13, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging 15 defendants with conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana:
- Danielle Boyd, 35 of Bolivar
- Montrez Brown, 27 of Bolivar
- Shumarcus Cross, 39 of Bolivar
- Caricus Hendrix, 37 of Bolivar
- Cordarvin McNeal, 34 of Bolivar
- Eula Evette Morris, 55 of Bolivar
- Jaylen Sain, 27 of Bolivar
- Sheneka Waller, 36 of Bolivar
- Myreon Woods, 40 of Bolivar
- Cameron Mickens, 25 of Henderson
- Jarrett Wilson, 26 of Henderson
- Carmaine Beauregard, 30 of Jackson
- Shannon Wilder, 26 of Jackson
- Joshua Fields, 28 of Lexington
- Antonio Parham, Jr., 27 of Whiteville
That same indictment charged Joshua Fields, Cordarvin McNeal, and Jarrett Wilson with possession of firearms in connection with the drug trafficking charges.
On August 14, 2023, a federal grand jury returned another indictment charging six additional defendants with similar drug trafficking and firearms offences:
- Tavaras Atkins, 45 of Bethel Springs
- Alfredia Atkins, 52 of Bolivar
- Shalonda Bills, 35 of Bolivar
- Correy Brown, 42 of Bolivar
- Michael Douglas, 31 of Lexington
- Curtis “CJ” Brown, 32 of Selmer
If convicted, the defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana face up to five years imprisonment. The defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years imprisonment up to life. Cordarvin McNeal, the individual charged with possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, faces a sentence of five years to life imprisonment. Joshua Fields faces a penalty of 25 years to life in prison because of enhanced sentencing for the distribution of fentanyl.
“Our officers, in collaboration with our federal and state partners, have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the safety of our community. We will continue to work together to address the root causes of drug-related crimes and ensure that those who threaten the well-being of our citizens face the consequences of their actions,” added Chief Mike Jones.
The Bolivar Police Department acknowledges the effective coordination of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) in this investigation, a multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Bolivar Police Department remains committed to supporting the efforts of Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper in prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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