An investigation began five years ago by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, ATF and IRS has resulted in the conviction of a Detroit, Mich., man who organized the transportation of oxycodone into the Tri-Cities for distribution.
A press release from Eastern District of Tennessee U.S. Attorney William Killian states Qwindel Jerome Page, 28, was convicted Thursday following a three-day trial in U.S. District Court in Greeneville. Sentencing is set May 16 on the charges, which include conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit money laundering and possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.
"Over the past few years, Michigan has become a source state of illegal oxycodone being distributed in the Eastern District of Tennessee," Killian stated in the press release. "Our office will continue to work with the law enforcement agencies to send a message to drug dealers in Detroit and elsewhere that the cost of doing business in the Eastern District of Tennessee will be high."
Evidence presented at trial reportedly showed that Page acquired oxycodone in Michigan. He then recruited individuals in Detroit to act as couriers to transport the drugs, and directed a group of individuals in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol to assist in selling them.
The news release says proceeds were wired back to Detroit, with Page also using buses, rental cars and commercial airlines to transport drugs and money back and forth.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Regalia represented the United States at trial, presenting evidence gathered by the SCSO, 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force, IRS Criminal Investigations Division and ATF.
"I want to thank the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation and those who continue to work diligently to rid our district of illegal trafficking of this addictive drug which is devastating the lives of individuals and damaging families," Killian said.