Jason Alexander Phifer, Possessing Ethylone with Intent to Distribute, Florida 2016

A DeLand man has been found guilty of possessing a large quantity of the synthetic drug ethylone with the intent to distribute it across the United States.

According to evidence presented at trial, Jason Alexander Phifer, 33, ordered four shipments of ethylone, totaling approximately 5.25 kilograms, from a supplier in China between January and May 2015.

In May 2015, agents discovered a shipment of 1.5 kilograms of ethylone that was destined for Phifer's residence. On May 20, 2015, undercover agents made a controlled delivery of the ethylone to Phifer at his home.

Immediately after the delivery, they executed a search warrant at the home and recovered the 1.5 kilograms of ethylone, and found additional quantities in Phifer's bedroom.

Phifer admitted to agents that he had received the ethylone so he could distribute it to customers throughout the United States.

Phifer faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for his crime. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2016.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vincent S. Chiu and Sean P. Shecter.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/deland-man-convicted-possessing-ethylone-intent-distribute