GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Lakento Brian Smith, 54, of Houston, Texas; Javon Drevelle Brewer, 58, of Muskegon Heights, Michigan; and Fletcher Lee Salazar, 40, of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, were indicted on criminal charges related to alleged drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. Smith, Brewer, and Salazar are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 400 grams or more of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Smith and Brewer are also charged with money laundering conspiracy. Brewer and Salazar are charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and heroin. “Today’s indictment highlights our office’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from those who traffic in deadly narcotics and attempt to conceal their illicit profits through money laundering,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “The charges allege that these individuals conspired to distribute dangerous controlled substances, including more than 400 grams of fentanyl—a poison that continues to drive overdoses across our district—and then sought to hide the proceeds. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who endanger our communities are held accountable.” If convicted, Smith faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and up to life in prison, and Brewer and Salazar face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in prison. “These indictments demonstrate our commitment to protecting communities across west Michigan from those who profit from the illegal drug trade,” said DEA Detroit Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon. By targeting both the drugs and the money behind them, we are sending a clear message: drug traffickers will be identified, their operations will be dismantled, and they will be held accountable in a court of law for their actions.”“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in our mission to protect communities from lethal narcotics, including those trafficked through the U.S. Mail,” said Inspector in Charge Felicia B. George of the Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This indictment highlights the impact of our Homeland Security Task Force partnership. The Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these criminal operations that endanger our communities and holding the individuals who run them accountable.”“Today’s indictment underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking and illicit financial schemes. By targeting those who distribute dangerous narcotics and attempt to conceal their profits, we send a clear message: law enforcement agencies across our district will continue to collaborate and pursue justice for those affected by these crimes…
Source: U.S. Department of Justice