Kendell Jerome Smith, Marijuana Conspiracy, Gun Possession, MS 2024

Biloxi’s Kendell Jerome Smith, 35, has been sentenced to a staggering 60 months in federal prison for his role in a marijuana conspiracy and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The harsh sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden.

Smith faced the music today, also being ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, and forfeit both a firearm and ammunition as a result of his illegal activities. This comes after he pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on January 31, 2019.

The Biloxi Police Department’s efforts in this case were nothing short of heroic. In 2017, the department received multiple community complaints about drug activity at a house Smith occupied with his girlfriend. A traffic stop and subsequent search warrant revealed 30 grams of fresh marijuana, several baggies containing more weed, trafficking items, $2,514 in cash, and two loaded handguns.

Further investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement revealed that Smith’s conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute spanned from July 2017 to July 2018. At the time of his arrest in July 2017, Smith was already on state parole after a previous felony drug offense conviction.

U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst commended the ATF and Biloxi Police for their coordinated efforts in bringing this dangerous criminal to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case with dedication and professionalism.

This sentence sends a clear message that those who engage in drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession will be held accountable by the law enforcement agencies of Mississippi.