Several individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a major interstate drug trafficking network spanning from Natchez, Mississippi to California.
An investigation, which was initiated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, led to the breakup of the drug trafficking network, which was headed by Kevin Singleton, 45, of Natchez.
On March 2, 2018, law enforcement raided Singleton’s Natchez home after receiving a search warrant. Officers seized packaging materials such as plastic bags, scales, and $1,114,413 in cash stored in dresser drawers and containers in his bedroom with approximately 25.5 kilograms of cocaine, around 114.2 grams of heroin, and roughly 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine with a substance purity of approximately 99 percent.
Agents also seized three firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle loaded with a high-capacity magazine holding 44 rounds of ammunition with an additional magazine holding 30 rounds and an additional 66 rounds of ammunition. Also seized was a Glock .40 caliber handgun loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition and an additional 24 rounds and a Smith and Wesson .38 special revolver.
Singleton’s residence had nine security cameras monitoring the inside and outside of the house. He was not at home at the time of the raid, but was monitoring his security cameras and fled. He was captured on March 20, 2018.
“The average citizen is under the impression that major crimes are not committed in rural areas. This case proves that is certainly a false narrative. What this case also proved is the quality of the staff that works at your local sheriff’s office and the importance of having well-trained officers,” Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said “The countless hours that were put into this case truly paid off not only for the community of Adams County, but the state of Mississippi, Texas, and California. It just shows how essential it is to have open dialogue and a great working relationship with other agencies.”
Singleton pleaded guilty in federal court on April 29, 2019, to four counts including possession and intended distribution of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine and was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison.
Others arrested, convicted and sentenced in the case include:
- Sammy Davis Wright, 51, Woodville – 14 years in federal prison.
- Denonta Thadison, 41, McComb – 7 years in federal prison.
- Jimmy Lee Swearengen Jr., 43, of Mesquite, Texas – 7 years in federal prison.
- Thomas Gerome Mitchell, 37, Victorville, Cal. – 5.5 years in federal prison.
- Justin Chambers, 32, Victorville, Cal. – 3 years in federal prison.
- Jerry Lee White Jr., no age known, Gloster – Under 3 years in federal prison.
- Roy Goodrich, no age known, Baton Rouge, La. – Under 3 years in federal prison.
- Wesley Bell, no age known, Natchez – Under 3 years in federal prison.
- Gregory Woodard, no age known, Crosby – Under 3 years in federal prison.
- Clifford Payne Jr., 52, Vidalia, La. – 14 months in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
