Four individuals have been indicted on drug trafficking charges in a federal court in Huntsville, Alabama. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, along with New Orleans Division Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer and United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Shameka Jackson, announced the charges.
The six-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court identifies Justin Jamal Fletcher and Larikus Martez Armstead, both 37 and from Sheffield, Alabama; Terance Antonio Williams, 41, from Florence, Alabama; and Angelita Guadalupe Garcia-Ruiz, 47, from Nogales, Arizona. The defendants face charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Armstead and Williams are also charged with distribution of a controlled substance, while Fletcher faces charges of possession with intent to distribute. Garcia-Ruiz is charged with the unlawful use of a communication facility.
According to the indictment, Fletcher received packages containing fentanyl pills through U.S. Mail on two separate occasions. One package contained 10,000 pills from an unnamed individual on July 17, 2024. Another package, over 29,000 fentanyl pills, was received on August 28, 2024, from Garcia-Ruiz. The indictment further states that Fletcher utilized a supplier based in Mexico for fentanyl pills and methamphetamine.
The case falls under "Operation Take Back America," an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, cartel activities, and transnational criminal organizations while mitigating violent crime. The operation combines efforts and resources from the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation involved the DEA and USPIS, with support from the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force and Colbert County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Hundscheid and Sara M. Judah are handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that an indictment includes only charges, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.