Three JDC men found guilty in drug trafficking case

Published 2:13 pm Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Three Jefferson Davis County men facing a multi-count indictment on federal drug charges have been found guilty on all counts by a jury in Gulfport.

Kentorre Hall, a/k/a-Toto, Roger Randale Jones, a/k/a-Hitman, and Martel Torres Barnes, a/k/a-Marty Mar were all found guilty for the six-count indictment involving their connection with the alleged Cedar Grove drug trafficking organization.

The week long trial ended with closing arguments Monday, and then was given to the jury. A verdict was returned around 5:00 p.m. Monday afternoon.

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The six-count indictment, which had count two dismissed, details that the defendants knowingly and intentionally conspired, confederated and agreed together with each other, and with other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, that they conspired to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The fourth-count of the indictment details the use of carrying and possessing firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Per government attorney Annette Williams, count five of the indictment only pertains to Kentorre Hall, and states that he did knowingly and willingly possess with intent to distribute a substance containing methamphetamine.

The sixth-count of the indictment states that beginning on an unknown date, prior to Sept. 1, 2011, and continuing through April 2014, in Jeff Davis County the defendants did knowingly carry and use a firearm, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

The indictment also details the use of the residence at 314 Cedar Grove in Prentiss, as a place that was used for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, storing, and using controlled substances, methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine.

In addition, the indictment states they conspired to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, less than 50 kilos of marijuana, as well as a controlled substance that contained a detectable amount of cocaine.

According to Williams, the alleged drug trafficking organization span Jefferson Davis, Covington, Forrest, and Lamar Counties, as well as other parts of central Mississippi.

The three men are expected to be sentenced at a later date in federal court.