MISSISSIPPI — Eight people have been indicted and arrested on federal drug distribution charges as part of a multi-agency investigation in North Mississippi, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
U.S. Attorney Scott Leary announced that a federal grand jury returned the indictments on March 25. One of the defendants also faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Those indicted include Gary “Rooster” Ransom, 49, of Clarksdale; Daniel Baker, 40, Madeline Tonos, 31, Patrick Smith, 34, Valerie Ingram, 42, Joshua Fulton, 40, and Londyn Todd, 23, all of Cleveland; and Merrick Smith, 47, of Dallas, Texas.
Authorities said all eight defendants were taken into custody.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cleveland Police Department.
Officials said the arrests are part of a Homeland Security Task Force effort aimed at dismantling drug trafficking organizations and reducing violent crime in the region.
Authorities noted that indictments are allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, sentencing will be determined by a federal judge under U.S. sentencing guidelines.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Doleac and Sam Stringfellow.
