KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On November 5, 2021, following a four-day trial in the United States District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee, a jury convicted Stacey Edward Williams, Jr., 42, currently of Sevierville, Tennessee, and formerly of Detroit, Michigan, of eight counts, including a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, multiple counts of possession and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, the distribution of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl resulting in death, and the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentencing will be set in 2022 in the United States District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee before the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer. Williams faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 20 years and up to life in prison and other penalties.
At trial, the United States presented evidence that investigators with the Sevier County Street Crimes Unit used confidential informants on January 30, February 9, and November 9, 2018, to purchase heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl from Williams. The evidence further showed that officers and detectives with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office responded to the overdose death of a Kodak, Tennessee resident on Thanksgiving morning, November 22, 2018. Through the overdose investigation, it was determined that Williams distributed the drugs that resulted in that death. Finally, the prosecution also presented evidence that on March 27, 2019, agents seized quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, a firearm and ammunition, and over $10,000 in cash from Williams.
Acting United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III and Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet Jr. made the announcement.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a Department of Justice program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Williams include the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office (“SCSO”) and HSI with the participation and assistance of the Sevier County Street Crimes Unit, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brent N. Jones and Anne-Marie Svolto represented the United States at trial.
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