Four people, three of which are from North Alabama, are facing federal drug trafficking charges.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a six-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges the following people with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine:
- Justin Jamal Fletcher, 37, of Sheffield, Alabama
- Larikus Martez Armstead, 37, of Sheffield, Alabama
- Terance Antonio Williams, 41, of Florence, Alabama
- Angelita Guadalupe Garcia-Ruiz, 47, of Nogales, Arizona
The DOJ says Armstead and Williams were also charged with distribution of a controlled substance, and Fletcher was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Garcia-Ruiz was additionally charged with unlawful use of a communication facility.
According to the indictment, on two separate occasions, Fletcher received a package delivered via U.S. Mail containing fentanyl pills. The DOJ says, on July 17, 2024, Fletcher received 10,000 pills from an individual and on August 28, 2024, he received more than 29,000 fentanyl pills from Garcia-Ruiz. The indictment also alleges Fletcher used a source of supply located in Mexico to obtain fentanyl pills and methamphetamine.
The Department of Justice highlighted that these charges are part of Operation Take Back America. This initiative aims to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
The case was investigated by the DEA and USPIS, with support from the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force and Colbert County Drug Task Force.
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