From: U.S. Dept. of Justice/U.S. Attorney's Office

Eleven people were sentenced earlier this week for their role in a crack cocaine distribution ring.

The ring sold approximately 40 to 60 kilograms of cocaine base between 2005 and 2007.

An additional 15 people have pleaded guilty in the case and still awaiting sentencing.

The defendants were indicted in July 2007 following their arrests in and around Duluth.

According to federal search warrants filed in the case, law enforcement in the Duluth area had been investigating a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring for the past two years.

“We are pleased to see the last chapter come to an end on one of the largest drug cases in our area’s history,” said Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsey. “Let this serve as a strong warning to others who dare to think of selling drugs in Duluth. We want to thank our federal
partners from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for everything they have done to make this a successful case.”

“The sentences received by the defendants in this case are the result of many law enforcement officers working together as a team,” said Bernard Zapor, special agent in charge of the ATF’s St. Paul Field Division. "Officers, deputies and special agents spent many extra hours away from their families in order to make the Twin Ports community a safer place.”

Those sentenced at the United States Courthouse in Duluth by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Rosenbaum are:

Carrie Jo Farrell, 41, Duluth
Sentence: probation and three years of supervised release on one count of possession with intent to distribute
cocaine base.

Jolynn Laura Johnson, 24, Duluth
Sentence: 54 months on one count of use of a communication facility to commit drug trafficking activities.

Jennifer Rosayice Mincey, 28, Superior
Sentence: 120 months on one count of aiding and abetting the distributions of cocaine base

Theotus Wright, 70, unknown address
Sentence: 60 months on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base

Francisco James Bell, 31, Duluth
Sentence: 70 months in prison on one count of distribution of cocaine base

Tyrell Martell Beckom, 23, East Duluth
Sentence: 30 months on one count of distribution of cocaine base

Tracey Ann Clark, 24, Duluth
Sentence: 48 months on one count of aiding and abetting distribution of cocaine base

Makenzie Lynn Ann Eggersgluess, 21, Duluth
Sentence: 60 months on one count of distribution of cocaine base

Amy Lynn Legore, 28, Duluth
Sentence: 66 months on one count of distribution of cocaine base

Chaz Michael Legore, 43, Duluth
Sentence: 36 months on one count of aiding and abetting distribution of cocaine

Fredrick Damond Watts, 32, unknown address.
Sentence: 60 months on one count of aiding and abetting cocaine base

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain, and crack cocaine is the free-base form of the drug.

This form comes in a rock crystal that can be heated and its
vapors smoked.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Lake Superior Drug and Gang Task Force, the Duluth Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.