Great Lakes Wire

A Houston resident, Tamarious "Poogi" Faulkner, has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., alongside several law enforcement officials including James Deir from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Colonel James F. Grady II of the Michigan State Police, Director Elmer J. Hitt from Jackson Police and Fire Services, and Sheriff Gary Schuette from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

Faulkner led the Thorough Bread Family (TBF), a violent street gang operating primarily in Jackson, Michigan. The gang distributed large quantities of fentanyl with a distinctive rock-like crystalline form that was often colored yellow, purple, or green—differing from the typical white powder form.

The introduction of this unique type of fentanyl resulted in increased overdoses and violence within Jackson. A mother who lost her daughter to an overdose described her as “a beautiful soul” and criticized Faulkner's leadership for devastating the community.

Following arrests and prosecutions within TBF, including Faulkner's sentencing, Jackson Chief of Police Christopher A. Simpson reported significant improvements: "almost immediately rebounded . . . violent crime was cut in half . . . overdoses decreased."

Several co-conspirators have also received sentences: Demond Johns (128 months), Dominque Faulkner (126 months), Zaire Faulkner (10 years), Demarquan Smith (10 years), Tommy Owens (87 months), and Mario Murguia (5 years).

U.S. Attorney Gorgon emphasized the impact gangs have on communities: “Gangs bring drugs and death to our communities." He expressed gratitude for collaboration with various law enforcement agencies.

James Deir stated that with these sentences, "Jackson, Michigan is a safer place," condemning those who profit from drug-related violence as having no place in Michigan.

The case was investigated by ATF along with state and local police departments and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Picek, Matthew Roth, and Craig Welkener.