The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in Middle Tennessee has announced significant developments in a recent drug trafficking case that involved thousands of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances being shipped into the area, particularly Nashville.
On Monday, the DOJ confirmed that twelve individuals involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy were sentenced last week for their roles in conspiring to distribute and possess controlled substances in Middle Tennessee and beyond. Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire provided the update on this pressing matter.
According to court documents, the investigation began in 2022, led by agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They uncovered large shipments of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills, bearing the imprint "M30," along with methamphetamine and marijuana being sent from California to Tennessee and approximately 16 other states.
Through monitoring shipping materials, social media accounts, and conducting surveillance, law enforcement identified Matthew Cox as a key figure shipping these packages. Conversations among defendants revealed discussions about drug prices, shipments, and the potency of the drugs. Notably, defendant Quortez Duncan expressed a desire for stronger pills to addict customers and increase profits, a request to which Cox responded before law enforcement intercepted the shipment.
On July 25, 2022, HSI agents seized a package from a UPS Store in Sebastopol, California, destined for Nashville. This package contained over two kilograms of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills and more than eight pounds of methamphetamine. Later, on August 9, additional packages were intercepted containing hundreds of grams of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine destined for Nashville residences.
After gathering substantial evidence, authorities executed search warrants across multiple locations in California and Tennessee, recovering firearms, cash, luxury vehicles, marijuana, and significant quantities of counterfeit pills.
“Stopping the trafficking of deadly fentanyl is a major priority of the Department of Justice,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “These successful prosecutions demonstrate our continued commitment to hold fentanyl traffickers accountable.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico emphasized the gravity of the conspiracy, stating, “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to holding accountable those who attempt to poison our communities.”
Each defendant was convicted of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, with three facing additional charges of unlawfully possessing firearms as previously convicted felons. The sentences include:
- Quortez Duncan, 15 years in federal prison
- Mathew Cox, 11 years and 8 months in federal prison
- Jonny Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 11 years and 2 months in federal prison
- Ricardo Molinero-Alcarez, 10 years in federal prison
- Khyre McClain, 10 years in federal prison
- Davontay Holt, 10 years in federal prison
- Marcus Johnson, 5 years in federal prison
- Tristain Orr, 5 years in federal prison
- Ethan Kimes, 2 years in federal prison
- Marquitues Sawyers, 1 year and 8 months in federal prison
- Jahari Armstrong, 3 years of probation
- Jaydan Armstrong, 3 years of probation
This extensive investigation was carried out by multiple agencies, including the DEA, HSI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI Nashville Field Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Columbia Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed Safeeullah and Rachel Stephens leading the prosecution.
