United States Attorney Announces Two Men Indicted On Drug And Gun Charges

SEYMOUR – Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today the indictment of two men who were major methamphetamine distributors in the Jackson County area. Jackie D. Brown, 43, Seymour, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Michael Davidson 42, Colton, California, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

“Keeping our Hoosier neighborhoods safe from those who peddle drugs and illegally possess firearms is a top priority of my office. Those who do not believe me should take note of these two defendants,” said Hogsett.

Court documents allege that Davidson was a source of supply for methamphetamine in the Jackson County area. Law enforcement learned that Davidson would mail-via parcel delivery companies, large amounts of methamphetamine from California to Indianapolis. He would then fly to Indianapolis, rent a car and pick up his packages that allegedly contained methamphetamine for distribution in and around Jackson County.

Through their investigation, law enforcement learned that Davidson would distribute a large portion of his methamphetamine to Brown who would then re-distribute it to other buyers and users. A warrant was served at Brown’s residence on June 4, 2014, and officers found four firearms, two of which were loaded handguns as well as methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and approximately $40,000 in cash. Most of the cash was found in a hidden compartment in a false wall. By law, Brown may not possess a firearm. He was convicted of dealing methamphetamine in 2003 in Jackson County.

“Methamphetamine has become a scourge in many of our Central Indiana communities. All too often the dealers bring not only dangerous drugs but illegal weapons.” said Hogsett. “This is why our Violent Crime Initiative is so important.”

Announced in March of 2011, the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) represents a district-wide strategy to work with local law enforcement and county prosecutors to combat drug traffickers and criminals that use and carry firearms in their illegal activities. The VCI has produced a dramatic increase in the number of gun-related charges brought federally. In the year preceding the initiative, there were just 14 defendants charged with federal gun crimes by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In the nearly three years since, more than 330 defendants have been charged.

This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police and the Seymour Police Department. Both men remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Conour, who is prosecuting the case for the government, Brown and Davidson face up to life in prison if convicted.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.