A Houston resident, Tamarious "Poogi" Faulkner, has admitted to conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced the plea in Detroit. Faulkner was the leader of the Thorough Bread Family (TBF), a street gang operating in Jackson, Michigan.
The announcement was made alongside James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division; Colonel James F. Grady II of the Michigan State Police; Director Elmer J. Hitt from Jackson Police and Fire Services; and Sheriff Gary Schuette from Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
In his plea, Faulkner acknowledged leading a conspiracy with co-conspirators to distribute significant amounts of fentanyl in Jackson. The gang's fentanyl was distinctively sold in rock-like crystalline form with unusual colors like yellow, purple, or blue instead of the common white powder form. The group also possessed firearms and machine guns as part of their trafficking activities.
Six other individuals involved have been sentenced: Demond Johns received 128 months' imprisonment; Dominque Faulkner got 126 months; Zaire Faulkner received 120 months; Demarquan Smith also got 120 months; Tommy Owens received 87 months; and Mario Murguia was sentenced to 60 months.
"As is so often the case when drugs and gangs intersect," said Acting U.S. Attorney Beck, "TBF wreaked havoc on a community by peddling poison and protecting their drug business with violence." She emphasized that they will aggressively prosecute such groups that threaten public safety.
James Deir commented on the guilty plea as a significant win for Jackson community safety: "There is no place in our community for people who use illegal firearms to carry out fear."
Faulkner's sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2025 before Judge Stephen J. Murphy III. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment.
This investigation involved collaboration between several agencies including ATF, Michigan State Police, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Picek, Matthew Roth, and Craig Welkener.