Jackie Lee Rattler, Oxycodone Trafficking, North Carolina 2013

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In a shocking turn of events, a group of 10 individuals have been charged with drug trafficking in a large-scale investigation. Jackie Lee Rattler, 54, of Cherokee, N.C., is at the center of the operation, accused of distributing oxycodone, cocaine, marijuana, and alprazolam.

The indictment, unsealed yesterday, alleges that the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances between January 2007 and December 2012 in Swain and Jackson Counties. The indictment includes a notice of forfeiture, which gives notice that the defendants must forfeit to the United States all of the property and currency involved in the offenses charged in the indictment.

The indictment includes 10 defendants: Jackie Lee Rattler, Jacob Hunter Rattler, Evan Thomas Norris, Jr., Taryn Krista Elizabeth Toineeta Rattler, Timothy Leroy Rattler, Justina Nacole Rattler, Mark Allen Winstead, Deborah Smith, Charles Taylor, and Austin Gunter. Charges against the defendants include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and being a controlled substance user in possession of firearms.

According to the indictment, the defendants are accused of using firearms to facilitate their narcotics distribution. The indictment also includes a notice of forfeiture, which gives notice that the defendants must forfeit to the United States all of the property and currency involved in the offenses charged in the indictment.

The charges carry a maximum prison term of 20 years, a $1 million fine, or both. The user of narcotics in possession of firearms offense carries a maximum prison term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The investigation was a joint effort between federal, tribal, and state law enforcement agencies. Those facing tribal drug charges are Deborah Smith, Charles Taylor, Austin Gunter, Humberto Corral, Shenna Crowe, Lisa Toineeta, Sam Thompson, Annie Cucumber, Robert Tramper, and Chadwick.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Lane Christopher Mikaloff, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Kentucky 2024

Aug 17, 2020

Drug Trafficking

Jessica Ann Barnett, Heroin Trafficking, West Virginia 2016

May 22, 2017

Drug Trafficking

Maquel L. Shelby, Methamphetamine Transport, Louisiana 2017

Dec 7, 2017

Drug Trafficking

Robert Blake, Murder, California 1964

Jul 1, 1976