Three Charged With Heroin Conspiracy Resulting In Death Of Overdose Victim
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On June 28, 2016, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Darius Jermaine Blakemore, a.k.a. Tank, 27, of Chattanooga, Tenn., Joshua Corbett, 27, currently of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Jessica Rachels, 25, currently of Chattanooga, Tenn., with conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in the death of another (victim) from his use of that heroin. The three were also each charged with distributing heroin resulting in the death of the victim from his use of that heroin.
Blakemore was charged individually with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base “crack,” possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was also charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. More information regarding these charges can be found in the superseding indictment on file with the U.S. District Court in Chattanooga.
In February 2016, the victim was found dead at his residence in Red Bank, Tenn. The superseding indictment alleges that he died from a heroin overdose.
If convicted as charged, Blakemore faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years up to a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. Corbett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years up to a statutory maximum of life in prison. Rachels faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years up to a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Chattanooga Police Department, the Red Bank Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter represents the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justthinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
