Over the past several months, the Richland Police Department FLEX Unit conducted an investigation focusing on a suspect, who was allegedly distributing methamphetamine-laced pills, inside the City of Richland.
The suspect was identified as 43-year-old John Edward Jones, from Brandon.
Over the course of 2 months, narcotics investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of the meth-laced pills from Jones.
On every occasion, Jones distributed the narcotics within 1500 feet of a local church, which, according to deputies, will enhance the penalties.
John Jones was arrested yesterday without incident and has a total of 4 charges of Trafficking in controlled substances.
If convicted of all 4 charges, Jones is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years but a maximum possible sentence of 160 years in prison.
Jones is already a two-time convicted felon, for prior drug charges, including possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and sale of narcotics.
The Richland Police Department stated,
“Whether it is a resident inside the City of Richland who is distributing narcotics, or a non-resident, who feels comfortable enough to travel into our city to conduct their drug dealing business, neither is going to be tolerated.”
