Gautier Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Conspiracy

Hattiesburg, Miss. - Jermaine Antonio Newell, 32, of Gautier, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a schedule I controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith. Newell was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

On November 15, 2017, DEA agents executed three search warrants at three locations known to be used by Newell. Based on information obtained showing online purchases, agents believed there would be evidence of drug trafficking activities at the properties. As agents executed one of the search warrants in Soso, Mississippi, a Jones County Deputy saw Newell drive by the property and begin throwing bags from the van’s window. Newell threw a bag containing 951 grams of heroin, along with various pills, cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale and approximately $11,000 in cash. Shortly after seeing Newell throw the items, he was stopped and arrested. Newell admitted to conspiring to possess the heroin and intending to distribute it. He pled guilty on January 30, 2018.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ellisville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.