An indictment was unsealed today, charging 14 individuals in connection with a drug trafficking operation based in Jefferson County. The charges brought against the defendants involve the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Eight of the accused were apprehended today, while five others were previously detained on separate charges, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced.
The 59-count indictment was filed in U.S. District Court, accusing Eddie Jerry Jones, 47, known as “Boss” from Fairfield, Alabama, and other associates, including Marcus Dewayne Johnson, a.k.a. “Moon”, Larry Denzel Rollins, Jr., a.k.a. “King” and “Blo”, and several others from the Birmingham area. The defendants face charges related to the period between January 2021 and March 2025, with all accused of using telephones in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
Additionally, McKinney and Rollins, Jr. were charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, carrying a minimum sentence of five years. Eddie Jones also faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, which could result in a maximum 15-year sentence.
The case involves multiple defendants already in custody for serious legal issues, including capital murder charges and federal violations. The maximum penalty for the key charges in the indictment could be life imprisonment. Each count of using a telephone for drug trafficking could result in up to four years in prison.
"My office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to relentlessly investigate and prosecute drug trafficking organizations in our District," Escalona stated, emphasizing collaboration within the OCDETF program. DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer highlighted the broad impact of the drug distribution network beyond Alabama.
Contributions to the investigation came from multiple agencies, including the DEA, ATF, IRS, FBI, and local law enforcement. The operation is part of a broader initiative, Operation Take Back America, aimed at tackling illegal drug trafficking and associated violent crime.
In line with legal procedures, all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.