A Georgia man has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison for attempting to distribute a significant quantity of fentanyl sourced from Mexico. Ike Jackson, Jr., aged 38 and residing in Lizella, Georgia, received a sentence of 200 months followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on May 12. Jackson had previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on February 21.
"Drug traffickers are gravely harming our communities by distributing dangerous substances like fentanyl," stated Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. "This case highlights our commitment to partner with law enforcement to hold those who push fentanyl accountable as we strive to eliminate these deadly drugs from our streets."
Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, Jae W. Chung, commented on the case saying, "Jackson endangered countless lives by trafficking large quantities of deadly fentanyl." He further noted that the investigation's success demonstrates accountability for those contributing to community harm through drug distribution.
Court documents reveal that on February 14, 2024, DEA agents were informed by a confidential source about an individual possessing two kilograms of fentanyl at Jackson's address. The source indicated communication with a Mexican supplier who confirmed this information. A controlled purchase was arranged for February 15, involving two kilograms of fentanyl from Jackson either at his home or a motel in Macon.
Surveillance was conducted at both locations and resulted in Jackson being apprehended by Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies as he left the motel. Inside his room, agents discovered a black backpack containing items including two kilogram-sized packages totaling 1,713.7 grams of fentanyl.
During incarceration, Jackson was recorded requesting a family member retrieve his belongings from the motel room; however, they reported finding nothing there.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation into this case which Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelby Brunette prosecuted for the government.