DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
236 Results - Showing 181 to 190
PRESS RELEASE

Leader of Wholesale Drug Distribution Network Pleads Guilty to Distributing Synthetic Cannabinoids and Laundering Millions in Proceeds

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Los Angeles man pleaded guilty today to being the head of a conspiracy involving the distribution of wholesale quantities of synthetic cannabinoids—commonly known as “spice” or “K2”—and laundering millions of dollars in the proceeds of the sale of that spice. According to court documents, from 2017...
PRESS RELEASE

Essex Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Crack Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy

Baltimore, Md., – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Joel William Hammond, age 35, Essex of Maryland, to six years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The sentence was announced by Jarod Forget...
PRESS RELEASE

Department of Justice Announces Results of Operation Dark HunTor

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice, through the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team, joined Europol to announce the results of Operation Dark HunTor, a coordinated international effort on three continents to disrupt opioid trafficking on the Darknet. The operation, which was conducted across the United States...
PRESS RELEASE

South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine, International Money Laundering, Gun Charges

ABINGDON, Va. – A Greenville, South Carolina man, who formerly resided in Bristol, Virginia, pleaded guilty last week to distributing methamphetamine, international money laundering, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiring to obstruct justice. According to court documents, Joshua Desorcy, 36, was directly responsible for...
PRESS RELEASE

Felon Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for a Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

Baltimore, Md., – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Delando Lee Brown, age 39, of Randallstown, Maryland to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute more than 300 grams of fentanyl. 0.02 milligrams...
PRESS RELEASE

Major Maryland-Washington, D.C. Area Narcotics Distributor Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Baltimore, Md., – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Arsenio Cleckley, a/k/a “Bund”, age 39, of Accokeek, Maryland to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl...
PRESS RELEASE

25th Operation High Tide Defendant Sentenced for Drug and Gun Crimes

NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man, who was the 25th defendant associated with Operation High Tide, was sentenced today for his role in trafficking firearms and selling heroin. According to court documents, in 2017, Shon E. Melton, 32, of Portsmouth, was attributed with trafficking 19 firearms, including a concealable short...
PRESS RELEASE

Narcotics Dealing Couple Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges and Assault on of a Federal Officer

Greenbelt, Md., – Alicia Marie Walls, age 28, of Bowie, Maryland; and Andrew Joseph Trimmer, age 32, of Bowie, Maryland pleaded guilty on October 4, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Trimmer also pled guilty...
PRESS RELEASE

Owings Mills Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to Over Six Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

Baltimore, Md., – Douglas Vines, age 50, of Owings Mills, Maryland pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Vines to 78 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. The guilty plea was announced by Jarod Forget...
PRESS RELEASE

North Carolina Man sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Opioids through the Dark Web

SAVANNAH, GA: A North Carolina man who ordered and illegally sold highly addictive opioids through the Dark Web has been sentenced to federal prison. Wesley McKeehan, 34, of Salisbury, N.C., was sentenced to 26 months in prison after pleading guilty to Distribution of Oxycodone, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S...