On November 20, 2024, a federal judge sentenced Jason Steven McWilliams, aged 35 and from Montgomery, Alabama, to 348 months in prison. The sentence was for conspiracy to possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court records reveal that in March 2023, while McWilliams was jailed on unrelated state charges in Montgomery County, he contacted Shykearia Darneisha Cooper. Cooper, aged 26 and also from Montgomery, agreed to receive a package containing fentanyl pills at her residence. The package was delivered on March 15, 2023. Cooper admitted during her plea hearing on October 17, 2023, that she knew about the contents of the package and McWilliams' intent to distribute them.
Due to McWilliams' criminal history, the judge determined he qualified as a career offender under federal sentencing guidelines. This status increased his guideline range and led to a substantial sentence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montgomery Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson prosecuted the case.