Seven men from Detroit face charges in a 43-count indictment, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, weapons charges, and money laundering. Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced the charges, joined by Chevoryea Gibson of the FBI's Detroit Field Office and Charles E. Miller of IRS Criminal Investigation in Detroit.
The accused individuals are Tary Holcomb (52), Maurice Hill (56), James Thomas (47), Curtis Weathers (52), Jason Ford, Conrad Taylor (48), and Shantonio Brooks (49). They allegedly conspired to distribute drugs such as cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Conviction on these conspiracy charges could result in mandatory prison sentences of at least 10 years for each defendant. Additional firearms-related charges were filed against Holcomb and Thomas, with Holcomb also facing accusations related to money laundering since January 2023.
The case is assigned to Judge Edmunds at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. It is emphasized that an indictment is merely a formal accusation and not proof of guilt; defendants are entitled to fair trials where the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Beck stated: “This case is an example of our zealous commitment to identify and dismantle local drug trafficking organizations that wreak havoc in our community by distributing harmful substances, illegally amassing weapons, and laundering illicit proceeds."
Chevoryea Gibson remarked on the investigation's success due to collaborative efforts between the FBI Detroit Field Office and IRS Criminal Investigation: “The FBI is unwavering in its mission to investigate and hold accountable those who threaten the well-being and security of our residents."
Charles Miller highlighted the importance of financial transaction regulations: “CI is committed to enforcing these laws and following the money wherever it leads.”
This prosecution forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aiming to disrupt high-level criminal networks through a coordinated approach involving federal, state, and local agencies.
The investigation involved agents from the FBI’s Detroit Organized Crime Squad and IRS-CI with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Ramamurthy will prosecute the case.