Georgia Man Sentenced to Over 16 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy with Mexico Source

Ike Jackson, Jr., 38, of Lizella, Georgia, has been sentenced to 200 months (over 16 years) in federal prison for conspiring with a source of supply in Mexico to distribute 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl in the Macon community. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell handed down the sentence on Monday, May 12th, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Jackson, Jr. had previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute on February 21st. There is no parole in the federal system.

Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the danger posed by drug traffickers, stating, “Drug traffickers are gravely harming our communities by distributing dangerous substances like fentanyl. 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.”

Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, added, “Jackson endangered countless lives by trafficking large quantities of deadly fentanyl. The success of this investigation is proof that those destroying our communities with fentanyl will be held accountable.”

According to court documents, on February 14, 2024, DEA agents received information from a confidential source (CS) about an individual possessing two kilograms of fentanyl at Jackson, Jr.’s residence. The CS indicated contact with a source of supply from Mexico who provided this information. On February 15, 2024, agents arranged a controlled purchase of two kilograms of fentanyl from Jackson, Jr. at his home or a Macon motel. Surveillance was established at both locations, and Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended Jackson, Jr. as he was leaving the motel.

A search of Jackson, Jr.’s motel room revealed a black backpack containing a handheld radio labeled “IKE” and a taped headphone box. Inside the box, agents discovered two kilogram-sized bags of fentanyl, one clear and one vacuum-sealed, totaling 1,713.7 grams. Subsequent jail recordings captured Jackson, Jr. pleading with a family member to retrieve his “bag of clothes” (referring to the backpack with the fentanyl) from the motel, but he was informed that nothing was in the room.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelby Brunette prosecuted the case for the Government.