Five people have been arrested following a multi-year federal investigation into a major drug trafficking operation in and around central Mississippi.
James Naylor, 59, Donald Jordan, 49, Cedrick Barber, 48, Aron Brown, 53, and Danita Wheeler, 58, were taken into custody on Tuesday for their alleged roles in distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illegal drugs in the Jackson metro area and other parts of the state.
“Working alongside our local, state, and federal partners demonstrates that cooperation consistently leads to successful outcomes,” Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said. “I am proud of the work done in this case to ensure that we are all united in continuing to combat drug crime and ensure safety in Mississippi.”
Initial court appearances for the suspects were held Wednesday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac in the U.S. District Court in Jackson. The arrests came just five months after officials announced a collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to crack down on the crime epidemic in Jackson.
“I am extremely excited about the collaboration and collective efforts with our federal partners, state partners, and the U.S. Attorney,” Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said. “U.S. Attorney Todd Gee continues his commitment to assisting JPD in our efforts to combat violent crimes. This effort exemplifies his work, along with the federal partners and the hard work of the men and women of the Jackson Police Department to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the City of Jackson.”
A federal indictment charges nine total individuals in connection with this case. Several defendants face mandatory minimum sentences because of the significant quantities of illegal drugs. Additionally, some defendants have been charged with firearms-related crimes. The Department of Justice did not identify the four individuals in the indictment who were not part of Tuesday’s arrests.
The cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson Police Department.
