INDIANAPOLIS – Demetrius Jackson, 26, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Jackson was found guilty on March 8, 2022, following a federal jury trial.
According to documents and evidence introduced in court, between October 2020 and January 2021, Jackson trafficked more than ten pounds of methamphetamine in the Indianapolis area. Jackson bought and sold firearms, including multiple firearms utilizing large capacity magazines—including one hundred round drums. Jackson has numerous prior felony convictions, including battery resulting in bodily injury, and is not legally permitted to possess a firearm.
On January 29, 2021, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and officers with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF) executed a search warrant at Jackson’s residence and seized a loaded handgun, a rifle, approximately ten pounds of marijuana, and more than $10,000 in U.S. currency.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tonya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Jackson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle P. Brady who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.