Zachary John Kennedy, Methamphetamine Distribution, Michigan 2024

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - Nine Muskegon men were arrested yesterday morning on multiple federal drug trafficking charges, including selling methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine.

Approximately 35 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers executed arrest warrants and search warrants throughout Muskegon and Muskegon Heights. Investigators seized 339 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 113 grams of fentanyl, 93 grams of heroin, and small quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine. Investigators also seized six handguns, jewelry worth approximately $20,000, and more than $20,000 in cash.

Zachary John Kennedy, a/k/a 'Zeus' (age 31), was charged with one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of aiding and abetting in the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Kennedy faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for distribution of controlled substances. Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, however, is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

Yesterday's arrests are part of Operation Interstate Zeus, an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that began in 2019 and has been led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and members of Michigan State Police's West Michigan Enforcement Teams (WEMET).

Approximately 35 law enforcement agents from across state and federal agencies participated in the arrests, including the DEA, WEMET, other Michigan State Police officers and narcotics teams, Muskegon City Police, the Muskegon Heights Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.

The defendants and their charges include:

• Zachary John Kennedy, a/k/a 'Zeus' (age 31) - one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of aiding and abetting in the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
• Brent Wilkerson, a/k/a 'Pay' (age 28) - one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and four counts of distribution of heroin;
• Delando Johnson, a/k/a 'Fox' (age 28) - three counts of distribution of heroin;
• Carl Johnson, a/k/a 'Orangebone,' a/k/a 'Bones' (age 42) - three counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack) and one count of aiding and abetting in the distribution of cocaine base (crack);
• Courtney Harris, a/k/a 'Money' (age 31) - one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack);
• Daris Jefferson, a/k/a 'Smoove' (age 32) - one count of distribution of heroin;
• Alezay Coleman, a/k/a 'Zay' (age 23) - one count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;
• Malik Jones-Smith, a/k/a '9' (age 25) - four counts of distribution of controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine;

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2021_0203_OperationInterstateZeus