Federal Investigation into Fentanyl Sales in Chicago
Introduction to the Case
A federal investigation targeting fentanyl sales in Chicago has resulted in felony charges against five people.
Defendants and Charges
Overview of the Defendants
Three Chicago residents, 33-year-old Jared Daniels, 34-year-old Cristine Serrano, and 35-year-old Shernell Anderson, as well as 43-year-old Larry Lemon, a Brookfield resident, have each been charged with drug conspiracy and distribution.
Additional Charges
Additionally, 33-year-old Jonathan Collins, a Chicago resident, has been charged with federal firearm offenses, alongside Daniels and Serrano, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois announced Friday morning.
Details of the Charges
Drug Conspiracy
Daniels, Serrano, Anderson, and Lemon are accused of conspiring to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin in the city in 2023 and 2024, according to an indictment unsealed in federal court in Chicago this week.
Firearm Offenses
The firearms charges against Collins, Daniels, and Serrano were handed down after they were allegedly found to be illegally possessing firearms, including handguns equipped with a switch device, which makes the weapons capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger, prosecutors said.
Current Status and Potential Sentences
Custody and Potential Sentences
All five suspects are currently in custody. If convicted, Daniels, Serrano, Anderson, and Lemon could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, as well as mandatory minimums ranging from ten to 15 years. Collins could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Investigation and Operation
Operation Take Back America
The investigation into the case was conducted as part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ-led nationwide initiative launched in March to intensify prosecution against illegal immigration, cartels, human trafficking, and violent crime.
Conclusion
The federal investigation into fentanyl sales in Chicago has led to significant charges against five individuals, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat drug distribution and related crimes in the city. The charges and potential sentences underscore the seriousness with which law enforcement and the judicial system view these offenses.
FAQs
Q: How many people are facing felony charges?
A: Five people are facing felony charges following the federal investigation into fentanyl sales in Chicago.
Q: What are the charges against the defendants?
A: The defendants are charged with drug conspiracy and distribution, and some are also charged with federal firearm offenses.
Q: What is the potential sentence if convicted?
A: If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, with mandatory minimums ranging from ten to 15 years for some charges, and up to 15 years for the firearm offenses.
Q: What operation was the investigation part of?
A: The investigation was part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ-led nationwide initiative to combat illegal immigration, cartels, human trafficking, and violent crime.
