United States of America v. David McNeely

Jackson, Tennessee criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.



According to information presented in court, in early 2017, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and Dyersburg Police Department (DPD) officers became aware of an ongoing drug trafficking organization in the West Tennessee area, specifically in and around Dyer County, Tennessee. The investigation revealed that the organization was trafficking large quantities of crystal methamphetamine ("ice”) and other controlled substances.



As a result, law enforcement officers developed further information from numerous sources which led to the execution of search warrants at target residences, stash houses, a storage unit, and for Facebook information, and text messages. To further the investigation, agents also conducted traffic stops, obtained information from confidential sources, and made controlled purchases from targets. Most of the crystal methamphetamine ("ice”) recovered was tested at Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratories and was determined to be 98% pure.



The targets of the investigation were David McNeely, age 46, of Dyer County, and co-defendants Christopher Faulcon, Tommy Taylor, Damien Nixon, Patricia Wilson, Elisha Kirk, and William Hardy. The investigation revealed that during the conspiracy, David McNeely purchased large quantities of crystal methamphetamine ("ice”) from Damien Nixon and was one of Nixon's "best customers.” McNeely also bought large amounts of crystal methamphetamine from Tommy Taylor and Christopher Faulcon, and he sold methamphetamine to Elisha Kirk and many others.



On August 15, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McNeely's residence in Dyersburg. Officers found multiple bags containing approximately seven grams of marijuana and approximately 4 grams of crystal methamphetamine ("ice”). Officers also discovered five rounds of 9mm ammunition in the living room and $283 in cash on McNeely's person. Later tested at the DEA laboratory, the crystal methamphetamine ("ice”) was determined to weigh 3.47 grams (net) and was 92% pure.



McNeely waived his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with law enforcement officers. McNeely admitted that he had been buying and selling large quantities of crystal methamphetamine for several years. Based on his own admissions, McNeely was held responsible for distributing between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine ("ice”).



On February 9, 2022, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced McNeely to 140 months' imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.



McNeely is the next to last defendant in this case to be sentenced. The only remaining defendant, Tommy Taylor, has entered a guilty plea and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2022.



This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Dyersburg Police Department.



Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Morrow and Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

02/10/2022 544 CRIMINAL JUDGMENT as to David McNeely (4), Count(s) 1s; 140 months on Count 1s of the Second Superseding; 5 years on Count 1s of the Second Superseding; $100.00 Special Assessment. No fine. Count(s) 1, 2, 13 and 14 of Superseding Indictment 12s and 13s of the Second Superseding Indictment are dismissed on motion of the Govt. Signed by Judge J. Daniel Breen on 2/10/2022. (ejc) (Entered: 02/10/2022)

02/10/2022 545 REDACTED CRIMINAL JUDGMENT as to David McNeely (04). (ejc) (Entered: 02/10/2022)