INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Keith J. Jones, 57, known on the streets as ‘Keybo,’ is facing the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of leading a massive fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking operation in Indianapolis. The sentencing, handed down Friday, marks a significant blow to a network that flooded central Indiana with deadly narcotics for over two years. The operation, active from September 20, 2020, through July 21, 2022, moved at least 300 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 kilograms of fentanyl, and 50 kilograms of cocaine.
Jones, convicted of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, nine substantive drug trafficking counts, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, wasn’t working alone. Kevin M. Backstrom, 58, of Los Angeles, California, served as the organization’s drug supplier from the West Coast and received a 30-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. This wasn’t a small-time operation; it was a coordinated, large-scale effort to profit from addiction and death.
The takedown wasn’t limited to Jones and Backstrom. Twenty-two individuals were indicted and convicted for their involvement in the drug trafficking organization. Among those receiving lengthy sentences are Sean E. Devonish, 46, Indianapolis, sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on a drug trafficking conspiracy charge. Herman Wesley Tavorn, 42, of Indianapolis, received a 25-year sentence for fentanyl possession with intent to distribute. Jamie L. Rayner, 34, Indianapolis, will spend 15 years in federal prison after being convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
The sentencing spree continued with Marcus N. Miles, 49, Indianapolis, receiving a 13-year sentence for drug trafficking conspiracy. Anthony Moore, 37, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 12.5 years for drug trafficking conspiracy, fentanyl possession with intent to distribute, and methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute. Nicholas Ray, 33, Indianapolis, received 135 months’ imprisonment for cocaine possession with intent to distribute, and Steve L. Young, 30, Indianapolis, will serve 125 months for drug trafficking conspiracy. The scale of these sentences highlights the gravity of the crimes and the court’s determination to deter future trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana delivered a stark warning: “Drug overdose deaths touch every Hoosier—our families, our friends, our children. These tragedies are overwhelmingly driven by trafficking of fentanyl and other deadly opioids.” He emphasized the insidious nature of the drug, noting it’s concealed in everything from counterfeit pills to candy-colored tablets, and even mixed within other substances like methamphetamine. “If you are pushing this poison, take notice that our office is working every day with federal, state and local law enforcement to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs and put you in federal prison, potentially for life.”
Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, added, “The primary goal of law enforcement is to make our communities safer for all of us. ATF will continue to work with our partners to take the poison of drugs off the street and end the violent crime that comes with it.” Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS:CI Chicago Field Office, stated that the sentencing demonstrates a “whole of government” approach to combating the threat posed by fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
Related Federal Cases
- Keith Jones, Drug Trafficking, Indianapolis IN, 2023 · California
- Rick Coley, David Duggar, Fentanyl Trafficking, Indiana 2024 · California
- New Britain Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking · Iowa
- Washington Trafficking Ring, Fentanyl and PCP Distribution, DC 2026 · California
- John Doe, Fentanyl Trafficking, Alabama 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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