GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A 42-year-old woman from Florida has been sentenced for her role in trafficking large amounts of drugs into Michigan.
According to authorities, Merria Wallace was a facilitator for a major drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine throughout Michigan.
Recommended Videos
She reportedly was the logistics manager for a group that imported drugs to Michigan for sale. She allegedly tracked packages, booked flights for co-conspirators to fly to California with thousands of dollars and return flights, where they would return to Michigan with drugs.
On multiple occasions, Wallace even traveled herself, transporting drug money on behalf of one of the leaders, Jason Demyers.
Background: Drug kingpin gets 27 years in prison for distributing in multiple Michigan cities, officials say
The organization distributed a large amount of cocaine and methamphetamine to Metro Detroit, Lansing and Kalamazoo between August 2022 and July 2024.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized roughly 40 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine, properties used to facilitate drug trafficking and nearly $325,000 worth of jewelry.
Wallace was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for her role in the drug trafficking ring. She is one of 12 people involved who has been sentenced.
| Name | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Jason Demyers | 324 months |
| Franchot Barnes | 324 months |
| Jomo Grady | 210 months |
| Evette Wallace | 110 months |
| Mark Williams | 105 months |
| Jamar Goins | 78 months |
| Franchot Meadows | 75 months |
| Ivan Williams | 63 months |
| Lanise Moody | 40 months |
| Jonathan Conner | 37 months |
| Shirley Starks | 2 years of probation |
| Merria Wallace | 120 months |
