Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
On May 15, 2024, a federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee, returned a 21-count indictment against nine individuals for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The defendants include Jamal Witcher, 35, of Mansfield, Ohio; Taeshawn Witcher, 18, of Detroit, Michigan; Skyler Anthony Starkey Steward, 18, of Mansfield, Ohio; Ricky Lynn Coffey, 36, of Bean Station, Tennessee; Keshon Lee, 27, of Detroit, Michigan; Emani Mason, 25, of Detroit, Michigan; Gianna Ryan, 22, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; Payton English, 27; and Bernie Smallwood.
The charges involve conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Additionally charged are various counts including possession with intent to distribute or distribution of these substances. Specific charges against some defendants include possession of cocaine and firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Jamal Witcher also faces money laundering charges.
The indictment was unsealed on September 25 after the last defendant appeared in court before Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin in the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. All defendants have pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled for November 19 before District Judge Katherine A. Crytzer.
Upon conviction:
- Jamal Witcher and Taeshawn Witcher face a mandatory minimum term of 15 years up to life.
- Coffey faces a mandatory minimum term of 40 years up to life.
- Lee and Mason each face a mandatory minimum term of ten years up to life.
- English faces up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III announced the indictment as part of an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and several local sheriff's offices.
The case is part of the "313 Initiative," targeting groups from Detroit bringing dangerous drugs into Knox County and surrounding areas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead-Cook will represent the United States in this case.
An indictment constitutes only charges and every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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