Man Sentenced To Three Years In Federal Prison For Threatening Witness In Investigation Of His Brother’s Michigan Heroin Conspiracy
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Jermaine Carr, 34, of Riverdale, Illinois, received a three-year sentence in federal prison for tampering with a witness related to his brother’s federal drug charges on June 2, 2016. The witness was assisting law enforcement officers with an investigation into Jermaine Carr’s brother, Daniel Carr, for heroin trafficking.
Jermaine Carr called the witness and threatened to burn his house down and told him he was going to die. The three-year term of imprisonment represented the maximum sentence that could be imposed for tampering with a witness. Carr pleaded guilty to the offense in January 2016. His brother, Daniel Carr, pleaded guilty in April 2016, to a charge of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff emphasized the importance of federal witnesses being protected against threats and harassment by angry defendants and family members. Judge Neff stated that Carr is a danger to society based not only on the seriousness of this offense but also due to his history of domestic violence assaults.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles stated, “When we work with witnesses in federal cases, we make their safety a priority. Any threats or harassment of our witnesses will be dealt with seriously.”
This case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA), and the Battle Creek Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessa K. Hessmiller prosecuted the case.
