Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Andrew Birge, announced that Jason Demyers has been sentenced to 324 months in prison for leading a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. United States District Judge Jane M. Beckering referred to Demyers as a "kingpin" in a "nationally orchestrated drug trafficking organization." This sentencing marks the seventh defendant in this case.
Demyers was a leader in distributing cocaine and methamphetamine around Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo between August 2022 and July 2024. He organized shipments of methamphetamine to Michigan and worked with couriers transporting cash and drugs between Michigan and California.
During the investigation, authorities seized ten kilograms of methamphetamine, eight kilograms of cocaine, real estate used for drug activities, and jewelry worth approximately $325,000.
Fourteen defendants were charged in connection with this organization. Twelve have pled guilty, while two are participating in a pretrial diversion program. Sentences imposed so far include:
- Franchot Barnes: 324 months
- Jomo Grady: 210 months
- Evette Wallace: 110 months
- Jamar Goins: 78 months
- Lanise Moody: 40 months
- Jonathan Conner: 37 months
Remaining defendants are scheduled for sentencing in May and June 2025.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Lansing Police Department initiated the investigation into Demyers' operation in October 2022, collaborating with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.
Special Agent Charles Miller from IRS Criminal Investigation stated that Demyers' sentencing is "a victory for the American public." Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Acting Special Agent Andrew Lawton from DEA highlighted their commitment to protecting communities from drug traffickers.
This prosecution is part of Operation Cold as Ice under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie M. Carowan and Austin J. Hakes prosecuted the case.