Joseph Twilley, a 65-year-old Detroit resident, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking network during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sentencing was delivered by United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson and announced by Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck.
The case involved collaboration between multiple federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS CI). Andrew Lawton, Cheyvoryea Gibson, and Charles E. Miller represented these agencies in the announcement.
Twilley's operation distributed kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin when drug prices were high due to limited supply during the pandemic. An investigation led to the seizure of 15 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a vehicle from California. A subsequent search of Twilley's residence uncovered more drugs, firearms, and bulk currency. The IRS CI found that Twilley laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars through bank accounts linked to businesses he established to conceal his earnings.
Acting U.S. Attorney Beck emphasized the importance of removing financial incentives for drug traffickers: "Our office works collaboratively with our federal law enforcement partners to hold drug traffickers accountable for distributing opioids and other illegal drugs into our communities while profiting handsomely and trying to hide and launder their drug proceeds."
Andrew Lawton from the DEA highlighted the impact on communities: "Illegal drug distribution operations like the one Mr. Twilley was overseeing ravages the very foundation of our communities."
Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI noted that Twilley's sentencing serves as a warning: "The sentencing of Joseph Twilley sends a clear and powerful message: those who orchestrate the distribution of illegal drugs... will be held fully accountable under the law."
Charles Miller from IRS CI remarked on their role in disrupting such organizations: “This sentencing signals an important victory for the American public.”
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force's Southeast Regional Strike Force conducted this investigation using a collaborative model involving multiple agencies working together on intelligence-driven operations. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrea Hutting and Rajesh Prasad prosecuted the case.