Orrington Man Sentenced for Meth, Fentanyl Drug Ring

BANGOR, Maine — Joshua Jerrell, 27, of Orrington, faced a grim fate after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy charges. According to court records, Jerrell was part of a ring that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot County from January 2018 until December 2021.

Jerrell, who used coded language over phone calls, texts, and social media to arrange drug deals, faces up to 20 years for conspiracy to traffic the dangerous substances. He also faces an additional five years for making false statements in an attempt to obtain firearms for his drug supplier.

In June 2021, Jerrell was caught making false statements to a federal firearms licensee, further solidifying his connection to illegal arms trafficking. The sentencing hearing will take place after the U.S. Probation Office completes its presentence investigation.

Law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with local police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton, played pivotal roles in Jerrell’s downfall.

The case is a significant victory for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which uses a multi-agency approach to dismantle criminal networks. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Maine State Attorney General’s Office in bringing Jerrell to justice.

Jerrell’s sentencing will reflect the severity of his crimes, marking a stern warning against those involved in drug trafficking and illegal firearms activities.

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