Submitted by Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
In May 2011 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force began a joint investigation into a marijuana trafficking organization based in Madison and Taylor Counties.
Information obtained over time by the Madison and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office’s indicated large quantities of marijuana were being received by a group of family members residing in Greenville, FL and sold for distribution to numerous people, primarily in Taylor County.
Exhaustive efforts from all agencies involved using surveillance, controlled buys, search warrants, etc. led to federal indictments in the Northern District of Florida and state charges on four individuals who are residents of Madison County, nine individuals who are residents of Taylor County, and one individual who is a resident in Duval County. The investigation also resulted in federal charges being sought against multiple other individuals involved in the Marijuana trafficking conspiracy in the Middle District of Florida.
Of those charged locally, 10 have entered guilty pleas, including:
Gregory Thompson, Greenville Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Over 1000 kilograms of Marijuana in February, 2013 before U. S District Judge Mark Walker.
Michelle Thompson, Greenville Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Over 1000 kilograms of Marijuana in February, 2013 before U. S District Judge Mark Walker.
Robelia Thompson, Greenville Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Over 1000 kilograms of Marijuana in February, 2013 before U. S District Judge Mark Walker.
Jayson Messer, Greenville Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Less Than 50 kilograms of Marijuana in February, 2013 before U. S District Judge Mark Walker.
Steven Mink, Perry, Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Over 100 kilograms of Marijuana in February, 2013 before U. S District Judge Mark Walker.
James Kinsey, Perry, Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Over 100 kilograms of Marijuana in January, 2013 before U. S District Judge Robert Hinkle.
Troy Gunter, Perry, Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Less Than 50 kilograms of Marijuana, and Distribution of Marijuana, in January, 2013 before U. S. District Judge Robert Hinkle.
Jamie Gunter, Perry, Fl., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Less Than 50 kilograms of Marijuana, and Distribution of Marijuana, in January, 2013 before U. S. District Judge Robert Hinkle.
Charles Williams, Perry, Fl., who pled guilty to Sale of Cannabis, Possession +20 grams of Cannabis in October 2012 in the 3rd Circuit Court of the State of Florida.
Donald Parker, Perry, Fl., who pled guilty to Possession +20 grams of Cannabis, Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Sell in November 2012 in the 3rd Circuit Court of the State of Florida.
In the investigation there were 5 search warrants executed in Taylor County and 1 search warrant executed in Madison County. In the investigation law enforcement seized over $180,000.00 in cash, 14 vehicles, 2 trailers, 3 pieces of equipment, 23 firearms, and approximately 130 pounds of marijuana. In addition, law enforcement is seeking forfeiture on 15 pieces of real property.
