A federal grand jury in Gulfport has returned indictments charging nine men in connection with a large-scale narcotics and firearms trafficking operation spanning multiple jurisdictions in South Mississippi.
The individuals indicted include Alvonta Demarcus McCray, Melvin McCray, Cameron Fairley, Christopher Chase Brown, Cleon Johnson, Roderick Victor Minter, Tracy Antoine McCall, Nathaniel Jackson, and Jeremy Young. The indictments follow an extensive joint investigation by several federal and state agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department.
Over the course of the investigation, which involved more than 30 operations, authorities seized nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine, over 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and more than 20 firearms.
Among those facing the most serious charges is Alvonta Demarcus McCray, who was indicted on six counts, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
Melvin McCray was indicted on five counts related to firearms trafficking and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years.
Cameron Fairley and Christopher Chase Brown were jointly charged with firearms trafficking, with Fairley also facing two counts of drug distribution. Fairley faces life in prison, while Brown faces up to 15 years.
Nathaniel Jackson faces six counts of fentanyl distribution-related charges and could receive up to 20 years if convicted.
Cleon Johnson was indicted for possession of a short-barreled shotgun, facing up to 10 years.
Roderick Victor Minter and Tracy Antoine McCall were charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Both face up to life in prison.
Jeremy Young was indicted on two counts of fentanyl distribution, facing up to 20 years.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting drug cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent offenders through enhanced enforcement partnerships and inter-agency collaboration.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon, ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson, HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric P. DeLaune, Mississippi Commissioner of Public Safety Sean Tindell, and Stone County Sheriff Todd Stewart.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter McCreight is prosecuting the case.
As always, an indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
