DeLand Man Convicted Of Possessing Ethylone With Intent To Distribute

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury found Jason Alexander Phifer (33, DeLand) guilty of possession with intent to distribute ethylone, commonly marketed as the street drug “Molly.” He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2016.  Phifer was indicted on February 10, 2016.

According to evidence presented at trial, between January and May 2015, Phifer ordered four shipments of ethylone, totaling approximately 5.25 kilograms, from a supplier in China.  In May 2015, agents discovered a shipment of 1.5 kilograms of ethylone that was destined for Phifer’s residence.  On May 20, 2015, undercover agents made a controlled delivery of the ethylone to Phifer at his home. Immediately after the delivery, they executed a search warrant at the home and recovered the 1.5 kilograms of ethylone, and found additional quantities in Phifer’s bedroom.  Phifer admitted to agents that he had received the ethylone so he could distribute it to customers throughout the United States.        

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vincent S. Chiu and Sean P. Shecter.