A Tacoma man was sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Michael Young Jr., 44, pleaded guilty on July 7, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Young played a significant role in a group that distributed more than 800,000 fentanyl pills across several states including Arizona, Texas, Missouri, Montana, and Georgia.
At the sentencing hearing in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Judge Jamal N. Whitehead addressed the dangers posed by fentanyl distribution: “Every pill you moved was a loaded gun – the sentence needs to hold you accountable for the lives you endangered.”
Court records indicate that Marquis Jackson led the drug ring while living both in Atlanta and at his parents’ home in Renton, Washington. Other family members indicted include Mandel Jackson, Matelita (Marty) Jackson, Markell Jackson, and Miracle Patu-Jackson. The indictment includes charges of drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. Some members of the Jackson family have been linked to a Seattle area street gang.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized over 846,000 fentanyl pills, nearly seven kilograms of fentanyl powder and cocaine each, 29 firearms, and more than $116,000 in cash.
In Whatcom County, four individuals were arrested on criminal complaints related to fentanyl distribution after being connected by phone communication and surveillance to the Jackson organization.
The crisis has had significant impacts on local communities. In September 2023, four tribal citizens died from fentanyl overdoses within four days in Whatcom County. This prompted the Lummi Indian Business Council to declare a state of emergency due to rising overdose deaths among tribal members.
Tribal and federal investigators examined one victim’s phone and found links to the Jackson Drug Trafficking Organization. Agencies such as DEA; Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Bureau of Indian Affairs; and Lummi Nation Police continue working together to stop fentanyl flow into Indian Country and other areas.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These efforts are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159. The HSTF coordinates multiple agencies against criminal cartels and transnational organizations involved in crimes such as drug trafficking across U.S. borders.
The case is being investigated by multiple agencies including FBI field offices (Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Kansas City, Dallas, Las Vegas), DEA divisions (Seattle, Kansas City), local police departments such as Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office; Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force; Lummi Police Department; Bureau of Indian Affairs; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Border Patrol Blaine Sector Targeting and Intelligence Division.
Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Crystal Correa, and Michael Harder are prosecuting this case.
