Talladega Busted: Major Drug Trafficking Arrests

Introduction to Talladega Busted

The term “Talladega Busted” refers to a significant law enforcement operation that has recently unfolded in Talladega, Alabama, targeting a drug trafficking conspiracy linked to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Following an extensive three-year investigation, federal authorities have arrested ten individuals connected to this operation, which involved a 21-count federal indictment against twelve defendants. The investigation has led to the seizure of substantial amounts of narcotics, including 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 kilograms of cocaine, and 11 kilograms of heroin, highlighting the serious implications of drug trafficking in the Talladega community.

Arrests and Indictments

In September 2019, a 21-count federal indictment was filed charging 12 individuals with conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine sourced from Mexico. The defendants are:

Patrick Nolan “YoYo” McSwain, 50, of Talladega
Nolberto Ortega, 54, of Chicago
Edgar Aguilar-Terrazas, 31, of Mexico
Jose Fernando Perez Leyva, 30, of Indiana
Amanda Denise Connell, 33, of Talladega
Kelvin Denard Chatam, 36, of Talladega
Ameche LaShuan “Meche” Curry, 50, of Talladega
LaShonda Renea White, 40, of Talladega
Michael Twymon, 49, of Talladega
Robert Shurone Chatman, 40, of Talladega
Flemmings “Boobang” Chatman, 37, of Talladega
Christopher Lane

As of October 2019, five of the defendants have been arrested, bringing the total number of arrests to 10 so far. The remaining two defendants, Curry and Twymon, are currently fugitives.

The indictment also charges four defendants with money laundering and six defendants with using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime.

Quantities of Drugs Involved

The indictment includes specific findings by the grand jury regarding the amounts of drugs involved in the conspiracy:

Ortega, McSwain, and Terrazas conspire to traffic 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
Ortega, McSwain, Leyva, and Connell conspire to traffic 1 kilogram or more of heroin.
Kelvin Chatman, Curry, Robert Chatman, and White conspire to traffic 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Ortega, Kelvin Chatman, and McSwain conspire to traffic 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

In total, the DEA and other law enforcement agencies have seized 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 kilograms of cocaine, 11 kilograms of heroin, 2 kilograms of fentanyl and 150 pounds of marijuana as part of this investigation.

Seizures and Evidence

The investigation has uncovered significant evidence of the scope and magnitude of this drug trafficking operation:

On July 7, DEA agents arrested McSwain after he met with a drug courier coordinated by Ortega. Agents found 16 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin in McSwain’s vehicle. A search of McSwain’s home turned up an additional 2 kilograms of heroin, 383.8 grams of cocaine, 267.1 grams of marijuana, 884.4 grams of methamphetamine, two drug presses, multiple cellphones, scales, a handgun and an AR-15 rifle.
On July 10, Ortega sent a drug courier from Mexico who was intercepted by DEA in Jefferson County with 6 kilograms of cocaine.
On July 12, Ortega coordinated the shipment of a wooden crate intercepted by DEA in Jefferson County containing 7 kilograms of heroin. Both shipments were intended for McSwain and distribution in North Alabama.
In October 2018, DEA agents intercepted a shipping crate sent to North Alabama by Ortega. A search warrant revealed 69 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2 kilograms of fentanyl inside the wooden crate, which was addressed to a car lot owned by Chatman.

Potential Sentences

The defendants are facing serious penalties if convicted:

The maximum penalty for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is life in prison
The minimum prison penalty for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime is 5 years, served consecutively
The maximum penalty for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison
The penalty for money laundering is a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Each count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime carries a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)

This investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Lengua Doble. OCDETF is a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. The DEA, along with the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit and the Anniston Police Department, investigated this case.

Impact on the Community

U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town emphasized the impact of this drug trafficking operation on the Talladega community:

“Today’s arrests are an important step in reducing the flow of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines, sourced from Mexico, into the Northern District of Alabama. These dealers will go to extreme lengths to profit from this deadly poison with no regard to the pain and ruin they leave behind.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Clay Morris also highlighted the magnitude of the conspiracy:

“Literally, weekly shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin were pouring into Talladega county. Those arrested today could care less about the countless lives they tragically affected. Their sole purpose of existence was selling poison and making money.”

Conclusion

The arrests and seizures in Talladega represent a significant blow to a major drug trafficking operation with ties to Mexico. The nearly three-year investigation has uncovered the scope of the conspiracy, which brought large quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into Alabama. With 10 arrests so far and more potential sentences to come, law enforcement is working to disrupt the drug pipeline and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

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FAQs

What is the Talladega drug trafficking conspiracy?
The Talladega drug trafficking conspiracy is a large-scale operation that brought heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl from Mexico into Alabama for distribution. It has been under investigation by federal and local law enforcement for nearly three years.

How many people have been arrested so far?
As of October 2019, 10 of the 12 defendants named in a 21-count federal indictment have been arrested. The remaining two defendants are currently fugitives.

What quantities of drugs were seized?
In total, law enforcement has seized 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 kilograms of cocaine, 11 kilograms of heroin, 2 kilograms of fentanyl and 150 pounds of marijuana as part of this investigation.

What is the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)?
OCDETF is a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. This investigation is part of OCDETF Operation Lengua Doble.

What are the potential sentences for the defendants?
The defendants are facing serious penalties, including life in prison for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, 5 years minimum for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, and up to 20 years for money laundering.