Cocaine Traffickers Busted in Jackson, MS

Cocaine Traffickers Busted in Jackson, MS

Three individuals have been charged in a federal indictment for their alleged involvement in a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation in Jackson, Mississippi.

According to authorities, Teofila Sanchez-Chavez, 30, of Houston, Texas, Jose Christian Nunez-Belmonte, 32, of Byram, and Marcus Shelby, 34, of Jackson, have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.

The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district, involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Sanchez-Chavez is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. Nunez-Belmonte is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. Shelby is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine per count.

The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan on November 8, 2016. The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and other local and federal agencies.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing is prosecuting the case.