Jackson Man Sentenced to 240 Months for Drug Trafficking Charges

MEMPHIS—Frederick Cole, age 41, of Jackson, Tennessee, was sentenced on August 20 to 240 months in federal prison by United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson for conspiracy to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. Section 846, announced Edward L. Stanton, III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a marijuana trafficking ring in the Western Tennessee area, including Jackson and Memphis. During the course of the investigation, Frederick Cole was identified as a large-scale marijuana distributor who directed others to distribute large amounts of marijuana in the Jackson area and elsewhere. Cole would travel to the United States-Mexico border and, along with co-conspirators, arrange for the marijuana to be shipped to Tennessee.

The defendant pleaded guilty in November 2011. Pending his sentencing, the United States Marshals Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation learned that the defendant had made threats on a sitting United States District Judge, an Assistant United States Attorney, a law enforcement officer, and two local attorneys.

At sentencing, the court found that Cole was responsible for the distribution of more than 1,200 kilograms of marijuana. The court also found that Cole’s sentence should be enhanced for obstructing justice and threatening court officials.

United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton, III, said, “Cole’s prosecution and sentence demonstrate that we are serious about eradicating our communities of illegal drugs. I hope other drug traffickers get the message.”

Brian K. Chambers, the Resident Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Memphis Office, commented on the sentencing, “This organization’s marijuana trafficking activities clearly fed many illicit drug users. Because of the high volume of drugs that this defendant admitted to distributing, his sentence is appropriate, and he will spend well-deserved time in prison. I commend our local law enforcement counterparts who played a crucial role in conducting this investigation.”

This case was a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, Bolivar Police Department, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Wilson on behalf of the government.