GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Nine defendants have been charged with federal conspiracy for their alleged roles in supplying and distributing heroin in Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles announced today.
A joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Berrien County Sheriff’s led to the federal charges. All defendants were arrested without incident on November 6, 2014, by federal agents, law enforcement members of the FBI Benton Harbor Safe Streets Task Force, and Berrien County deputies, following a federal complaint filed in U.S. District Court on November 5, 2014.
The investigation initially focused on two of the alleged conspiracy members and ultimately resulted in the charging of nine conspirators and the seizure of approximately 100 grams of heroin, several medical-grade fentanyl patches, a small amount of crack cocaine, and approximately $27,000 in alleged drug proceeds.
The nine defendants were arraigned on November 20, 2014. Defendants Joseph Jackson, Willy Tibbs Jackson, Jacoby Ervin, Antwon Peterson, and Javel McElrath have been detained. Defendants Johnny Green, Kyeisha Bennett, Tanisha Swift, and Omar Osorio have been released on bond.
According to a 100-page affidavit filed in support of the federal arrests and search warrants, the investigation revealed that Joseph Jackson led a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing between 50 and 65 grams of heroin per week in Benton Harbor from 2013 to the date of his arrest.
Joseph Jackson, 44, of Benton Harbor, also known as “Jo Jo,” allegedly assigned responsibility for heroin acquisition and distribution to other individuals. As relayed in the complaint, Jackson acquired his heroin in Chicago, and then recruited others to transport it to Benton Harbor for him. Once in Benton Harbor, Jackson tasked others with the heroin’s storage and further distribution.
Joseph Jackson, Heroin Conspiracy, Michigan 2014
Related Federal Cases
- Rasheed T. Latham, Heroin Distribution Conspiracy, Michigan 2024 · Virginia
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- Jimmie Peanut Butler, Heroin and Cocaine Conspiracy, Michigan 2019 · Michigan
- Leroy B.K. Wilson, Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine, West Virginia 2014 · Kentucky
- Eric Greer, Heroin Transport Conspiracy, West Virginia 2014 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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