Wallace Gets 10 Years in Multi-State Meth & Coke Ring

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A key cog in a sprawling, multi-state drug operation is headed to federal prison. Merria Wallace, 42, of West Park, Florida, but with deep ties to Lansing, Michigan, received a 120-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering today, bringing an end to the prosecution of fourteen defendants linked to a significant methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Judge Beckering didn’t mince words, calling Wallace a “really important part of this operation” responsible for flooding Michigan with dangerous narcotics.

The conspiracy, active between August 2022 and July 2024, stretched from Michigan to Florida, Arizona, and California. Wallace wasn’t a street-level dealer; she was the logistics manager, the one keeping the whole operation moving. Prosecutors detailed how she meticulously tracked approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine shipped from California to Michigan. She didn’t just track packages, either – she booked flights for co-conspirators to ferry thousands of dollars in drug money back west, then return with more drugs, including cocaine. On multiple occasions, Wallace herself transported the illicit funds on behalf of the ringleader, Jason Demyers.

“The sentences in this case are significant and effectively hampered this transnational drug trafficking organization, which spanned multiple states, including Michigan, Florida, Arizona and California,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Alexis Sanford. “Our office is committed to combatting these organizations, including sources of supply from other states or countries who are responsible for distributing significant quantities of drugs into our West Michigan communities. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer for everyone.”

The bust wasn’t just about putting people behind bars. Law enforcement seized a substantial haul of evidence: roughly ten kilograms of methamphetamine, eight kilograms of cocaine, real estate used to facilitate the trafficking, and a staggering $325,000 in jewelry – all proceeds from the illegal drug trade. The investigation, launched in October 2022, was a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lansing Police Department (LPD), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

Wallace is the final defendant sentenced, but a review of the court records reveals lengthy sentences handed down to others involved. Jason Demyers, 44, of Lansing, Michigan/Phoenix, Arizona, received a 324-month sentence. Franchot Barnes, 47, of Southern California, also got 324 months. Jomo Grady, 51, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, will spend 210 months in prison. Other sentences include: Evette Wallace, 36, of Kalamazoo, Michigan (110 months); Mark Williams, 54, of Southfield, Michigan (105 months); Jamar Goins, 45, of Lansing, Michigan (78 months); Franchot Meadows, 22, of Bloomfield, Michigan (75 months); Ivan Williams, 35, of Southfield, Michigan (63 months); Lanise Moody, 42, of Lansing, Michigan (40 months); Jonathan Conner, 43, of Lansing, Michigan (37 months); and Shirley Starks, 41, of Lansing, Michigan (2 years probation). Twelve defendants pleaded guilty, while two entered a pretrial diversion program.

“The results of this investigation highlight the relentless work the Drug Enforcement Administration and our state and local partners do daily to keep our communities safe,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew P. Lawton. “With the assistance of the Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police, we have succeeded in holding those accountable for flooding our backyards with drugs and weapons. We will continue to prioritize the Mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration and bring those responsible to justice.”