Thursday, January 19, 2023

Family drug distribution ring operators sentenced to prison

An Inkster man was among 10 people sentenced last week for their roles in family-led drug trafficking violations.

Jason Ledesma, of Inkster and his brother, Jamilie Ledesma of Detroit, led a major drug trafficking organization in Metro Detroit, federal authorities claimed. They were sentenced respectively to 120 months and 155 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine.

Curtis Wood, of Detroit, was sentenced to 150 months in prison for his leadership role in a related drug trafficking conspiracy that involved his brother, Kevin Wood, also of Detroit, who was sentenced to 120 months in prison.

According to court records, the Ledesma brothers' drug trafficking organization supplied drugs to the Wood brothers. The Wood brothers then distributed the drugs.

“Our office will vigorously pursue drug dealers who traffic cocaine and other drugs into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison. “I commend the excellent work of the federal law enforcement agents who stop individuals who seek to destroy the lives of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.”

Both sets of brothers used couriers, vehicles, stash houses, distributors, and various methods to transport and distribute drugs. 

During the investigation, more than 12 kilograms of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, more than $400,000 in cash, dozens of firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a bullet-proof vest were seized.

Among the other six sentenced  was Patrick Harris-Walker of Romulus who was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison.