TERRE HAUTE, IN – Emmanuel Dareon Jones, 30, of Terre Haute, is facing over eleven years in federal prison after a 2018 investigation exposed a lucrative drug and firearms operation. Jones was sentenced to 135 months on charges of distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a case that highlights the brazen disregard for the law by repeat offenders.
The bust began with a simple drug sale on July 24, 2018, where Jones peddled approximately 4.5 grams of cocaine for $250. But the real scope of his criminal enterprise came to light during a traffic stop on September 19, 2018. Officers discovered a staggering $12,620 in cash on Jones’ person. Crucially, Jones was already on probation for four prior felony convictions related to marijuana – convictions that should have barred him from possessing any firearms.
A subsequent search of Jones’ residence revealed a full-blown drug and weapons cache. Authorities found a loaded pistol, a vacuum sealing machine and bags of marijuana, a digital scale, and packaging materials in the kitchen. The bedroom held even more: multiple vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, a 12-gauge shotgun, a menacing assault-style rifle with a high-capacity 30-round magazine, and a safe overflowing with cash. Jones himself admitted the safe held roughly $100,000 – two Crown Royal bags containing $50,000 each, plus additional stacks of bills.
Investigators seized a total of $134,500 in cash and approximately six pounds of marijuana from Jones’ vehicle and home. In a recorded interview with Terre Haute Police, Jones freely admitted to selling marijuana for $125 per ounce and confirmed ownership of all the drugs and firearms discovered during the searches, even detailing the specifics of each weapon. This wasn’t a casual operation; it was a well-funded, organized criminal venture.
“Multiple felony convictions did not deter the defendant from continuing to deal drugs and illegally arm himself, including possessing an assault rifle with an extended magazine—even while on probation,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney, sends a clear message: armed drug dealers will face serious consequences. Jones will also be subject to three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.
The case was a collaborative effort between the Terre Haute Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick. Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash prosecuted the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on similar instances of brazen criminal activity within the federal system.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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