Founder of Oakland County Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 36 Years for Distributing Fentanyl-Laced Heroin that Resulted in Dozens of Overdoses

Kristopher “Flip” Anderson, 43, of Pontiac, was sentenced in United States District Court by the Hon. Robert H. Cleland to 36 years in prison for his role in a multi-year heroin and fentanyl distribution conspiracy that operated from Pontiac and distributed drugs in Oakland and Macomb Counties between 2008 and 2017, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Schneider was joined in the announcement by Rainer S. Drolshagen, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard made the announcement. 

Following a two-week trial in April and May 2019, a jury convicted Anderson of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in death and serious bodily injury. The jury also convicted Anderson of distribution of heroin and fentanyl and using a telecommunications device to facilitate drug trafficking.

According to court records and the evidence at trial, Anderson had been convicted of drug offenses in 2008 and 2009, and before reporting to prison, he provided his drug phone to his nephew and co-defendant, Timothy Williams, so Williams could sell heroin to his customers while he was in prison. The conspiracy grew over the next several years as Williams joined forces with friends and other family members to serve an ever-growing customer base. Soon, the group had over 100 daily customers—each buying at least 0.5 to 1 gram of heroin per day at a price of $40 per half gram and $80 per gram. Several members of the group adopted the name, “T.E.A.M.” (To Eat and More) as they expanded the drug business.

Over time, the conspiracy started to sell heroin laced with fentanyl or, in many instances, straight fentanyl. Multiple customers overdosed. Some died. In 2015, Anderson was released from prison and rejoined the group. He sold fentanyl to customers and resumed control of the conspiracy when Williams was arrested. Fentayl sold by Anderson was linked to the fatal overdose of at least one customer.

In addition to Anderson, eleven other members of the conspiracy were charged for their role in distributing heroin and fentanyl. Ten of Anderson’s co-conspirators pleaded guilty, and one died from a heroin overdose awaiting trial.

Pleaded guilty were:

•           Timothy Williams, a/k/a “T2,” of 28, of Independent Township, to conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl and multiple counts of distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Awaiting sentence, guidelines range of 360 months to life.

•           Deaire Rayford, a/k/a “Mun” and “D-Mun,” of 28, of Auburn Hills, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 240 months in prison.

•           Christopher Light, 27, of Commerce Township, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Sentenced to 72 months in prison.

•           Kourvoisiea Pittman, a/k/a “Kaos,” 28, of Pontiac, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 180 months in prison.

•           Robert Bell, Jr., a/k/a “Boosha,” 30, of Pontiac, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 188 months in prison.

•           Deandre Mullen, a/k/a “4-Shot” and “4,” 28, of Pontiac, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 225 months in prison.

•           Steven Erkins, a/k/a “SQ” and “Kool,” 26, of Pontiac, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 211 months in prison.

•           Quanzay Milton, a/k/a “Q,” 25, of Pontiac, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 121 months in prison.

•           Antonio Bell, a/k/a “Tone,” 28, of Pontiac, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 166 months in prison.

•           James Bellmore, 52, of Pontiac, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more heroin and fentanyl. Sentenced to 74 months in prison.

“This conviction and sentence is particularly important given the breadth of the damage and destruction of lives that this group caused while distributing heroin and fentanyl”, stated US. Attorney Schneider.  “Our aggressive prosecution of these offenses and Mr. Anderson’s sentence sends a strong message of deterrence to those who may want to pursue the drug trade as a way of life.”

“This sentence is the culmination of numerous hours of dedicated work by FBI’s Oakland County Violent Gang Task Force members” said Acting Special Agent Rainer S. Drolshagen.  “The FBI will continue to aggressively target and prosecute drug trafficking crimes involving heroin as part of the effort to address the ongoing opiate crisis that is threatening the safety of our citizens.”

“I am excited to see this case which was initiated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic Enforcement Team (NET) have a successful conclusion,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. “As the case developed, the Oakland County Violent Crime Gang Task Force (VCTGF) joined the investigation and together we were able to successfully identify and prosecute several individuals for federal narcotic crimes. This is a great example of local and federal authorities working together to take down those who pedal this death in our communities.”

Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Donald Stevenson and Sgt. Perry Dare of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shane Cralle and John O’Brien of the Eastern District of Michigan prosecuted the case.