NASHVILLE, TN – Eric Jenkins, 40, of Nashville, is headed to federal prison for 210 months, bringing a close to a large-scale drug conspiracy that flooded the streets with heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. The sentence, handed down Tuesday, marks the final conviction in a case that began with a months-long investigation into a prolific drug operation operating out of the Overhill Apartment Complex.
Jenkins, along with Jacob Mosely, 40, and Howard Dowell, 50, both also of Nashville, were indicted in October 2020, facing charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 28 grams or more of cocaine. Both Mosely and Jenkins were repeat offenders, facing enhanced penalties due to prior serious drug felony convictions. Jenkins also faced charges for attempting to possess 5 kilograms or more of cocaine after a previous drug conviction.
The bust originated in February 2020 with a search of the Overhill Apartment. Inside, investigators found a staggering amount of narcotics: over five kilograms of heroin, more than three kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, approximately one kilogram of pure fentanyl, and over 32 grams of cocaine base. The apartment also served as a stash house, and police recovered kilo presses, $45,000 in cash, and a .380 caliber pistol. Jenkins, during an undercover operation, even admitted the apartment had been used for storing the drugs and that $700,000 worth of fentanyl had previously been stolen.
Undeterred, Jenkins brazenly attempted to purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine for $240,000 in June 2020. When he arrived to complete the deal, undercover officers arrested him. In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation, Jenkins then directed an associate to hand over $230,030 to law enforcement. The entire operation was a calculated risk, and Jenkins clearly underestimated the reach of federal investigators.
Jacob Mosely previously received a 210-month sentence on May 4, 2021, and Howard Dowell was sentenced to 135 months the same day. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda J. Klopf led the prosecution.
This case was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, a multi-agency initiative designed to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. The OCDETF focuses on disrupting the highest levels of criminal networks, utilizing intelligence and a coordinated approach between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The streets of Nashville are a little safer today, but the fight against drug trafficking is far from over.”
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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