MS Duo Face Decades in OK Meth Bust

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – A pair of Mississippi residents are cooling their heels in federal custody after being arraigned this week on charges stemming from a significant methamphetamine bust in eastern Oklahoma. BRANDON JEVAR PITTMAN, 32, of Calhoun City, Mississippi, and DEJA MONET PHILLIPS, 18, of Houlka, Mississippi, now face the very real possibility of decades behind bars.

The pair were formally charged with POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. According to the indictment, the alleged crime occurred on or around March 6, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Federal authorities allege the duo knowingly possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine – a Schedule II Controlled Substance – with the clear intent to push it onto the streets.

This wasn’t a small-time operation, according to the indictment. Fifty grams is a substantial quantity, indicating a likely connection to a larger distribution network. While an indictment is *not* proof of guilt, the charges carry a hefty penalty. If convicted, both PITTMAN and PHILLIPS could be staring down a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in a federal prison – and that’s before even considering the potential for a $5,000,000.00 fine.

The investigation leading to these charges was a joint effort between the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Details regarding the initial stop or how authorities became aware of the alleged drug activity have not been released, but the DEA’s involvement suggests a potentially wider scope to the investigation. Sources close to the case indicate that further arrests are not out of the question.

The arraignment hearings were presided over by Magistrate Judge Steven P. Shreder in Muskogee. Following the proceedings, both PITTMAN and PHILLIPS were remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service, meaning they will remain incarcerated while awaiting further court action. Remember, a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentencing guidelines will be considered upon conviction, and, notably, federal sentences carry no possibility of parole.

Assistant United States Attorney Kyle E. Waters is prosecuting the case for the government. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. The Eastern District of Oklahoma has seen a surge in drug trafficking cases recently, and this bust is just the latest example of the ongoing battle against the flow of illegal narcotics into the state.”

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