Taquita James, Oxycodone Trafficking, Tennessee 2024

Memphis, TN - In a shocking turn of events, nine suspects have been indicted on federal drug charges in West Tennessee. The individuals, accused of operating two separate drug rings, are facing serious penalties if convicted.

Taquita James, Tavious Jones, Martavious Taylor, Marcus Moore, Brandon Heard, and Fredrick Burton are all charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Taylor, Moore, Heard, and Burton are also accused of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana.

Separately, Antonio Montgomery, Dylon Chambers, and Kirby Jackson were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The investigation, led by the Memphis DEA Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Postal Inspection Service, resulted in the seizure of over $30,000, 1 SKS rifle, 2 handguns, 1 pound of methamphetamine, and 2 kilograms of cocaine.

The suspects were arrested on June 17, 2024, after a series of search warrants were executed on 10 residences. James and Burton have been released on bond, while the remaining defendants will appear before Magistrate Judge Charmiane Claxton on June 22, 2024, for detention hearings.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Taylor and Michelle Kimbril-Parks are representing the government in these cases.

Defendant Information:

Defendant: Taquita James

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone

City and State: Memphis, TN

Date: June 11, 2024

Sentence or Outcome: Released on bond

Dollar Amounts: $30,000

Other Information: Faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million if convicted.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/9-indicted-federal-drug-charges-west-tennessee