Tyrone Henderson, Fentanyl Trafficking, Michigan 2024

A Kalamazoo man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in the largest fentanyl seizure in the Kalamazoo area. Tyrone Henderson, 51, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms.

The investigation, led by the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), began in 2022 after a months-long probe into Henderson's involvement in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. On November 10, 2022, KVET obtained a warrant to search Henderson's residence and executed it, resulting in the seizure of 2.3 kilograms of pure fentanyl, 1.3 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, 516 grams of heroin, and 489 grams of methamphetamine.

The methamphetamine seized from Henderson's residence was disguised to look like the party drug ecstasy, further underscoring the danger posed by his illicit activities. Henderson's residence also contained four assault rifles, ten magazines, ammunition, a handgun, digital scales, presses, and other implements used for processing narcotics.

At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney noted that fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine are a 'scourge' not only in the Western District of Michigan but across the United States. He characterized Henderson as a 'threat to the public' given the lethal nature of fentanyl, the quantity of drugs Henderson possessed, and the nature and number of firearms involved in the case.

Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten stated, 'We're in a fight to save lives against illegal firearms and fentanyl, which pose an extreme danger to our communities.' He praised the local, state, federal, and multi-jurisdictional task force partners for their investigative work to protect communities and hold Mr. Henderson accountable.

The investigation was handled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel S. Fauson and Austin J. Hakes prosecuted the case.

Henderson will spend five years on federal supervised release following his release from prison and will forfeit firearms and drug proceeds seized from his residence.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2023_0825_Tyrone_Henderson_Sentencing