Ethan Edward Jackson, Crack Cocaine Conspiracy, Virginia 2014

HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA – Ethan Edward Jackson, a 26-year-old man from Winchester, Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a crack cocaine conspiracy that brought large quantities of the dangerous drug into the Winchester area.

Jackson, who also has ties to Clewiston, Florida, pled guilty in January 2014 to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine. This morning in District Court, Jackson was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Jackson was one of nine individuals who conspired to sell crack cocaine in the Winchester area. The group, which brought in large quantities of the drug from Florida, sold it in amounts ranging from $50 to $250. Members of the conspiracy made multiple runs to Florida per month and often operated out of hotels in the Winchester area.

“These defendants operated a sophisticated illegal business importing dangerous drugs into our community,” said United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy. “We must do all we can to punish those who profit from the addiction of others. We must also pursue education and treatment programs to reduce the demand for illegal drugs. A comprehensive approach is necessary in our continuing struggle to stem the flow of illegal drugs into our communities.”

Other members of the conspiracy have already been sentenced for their roles in the crack cocaine ring. Kareem Lomax Robinson received 204 months, Bobby Clyde Stewart Jr. received 180 months, Jeremiah Dion McMillan received 132 months, Johnny Lewis Hunter received 120 months, Lacy Leann Shuck received 120 months, Andrew James Thomas received 120 months, Wendal Anthony Ferguson received 96 months, and Susan Ann Ruppenthal received 24 months.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force, which includes the Virginia State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Task Force includes law enforcement from the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, Warren and Page as well as the cities and towns of Winchester, Front Royal and Strasburg. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Wright prosecuted the case for the United States.

The case highlights the ongoing struggle against the flow of illegal drugs into communities. As the United States Attorney emphasized, a comprehensive approach is necessary to combat the problem, including punishment for those who profit from addiction, education, and treatment programs to reduce demand, and law enforcement efforts to stem the flow of illicit drugs.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/final-member-crack-cocaine-conspiracy-sentenced