DETROIT — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Michigan, Eastern), published as received.

DETROIT –  A previously convicted drug trafficker was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for leading a drug organization with international ties that trafficked fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine across the country, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division, and Charles E. Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, Detroit Division.

Maurice Montain McCoy, Jr., 41, of Moreno Valley, California, led a drug and money laundering conspiracy that had distribution hubs in multiple cities across the United States, including Novi, Michigan. The DEA seized more than 30 kilograms of fentanyl and over half a million dollars in cash from the organization’s stash house in Novi. At the time, the DEA’s seizure was the largest fentanyl seizure in Michigan and one of the largest in the United States. The seizure was the result of creative investigative work by federal agents. They traced a UPC code off a Sony PlayStation box that was used to deliver heroin to a drug customer. That UPC code led to the Novi condominium where the PlayStation was active. Agents identified couriers who crisscrossed the United States delivering kilograms, transporting bulk currency, or laundering money, leading to multiple arrests and additional seizures in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Baltimore, Maryland, where the organization also operated. All identified couriers and large-scale drug customers who were indicted have pleaded guilty. McCoy directed the organization’s activity and lived lavishly off the proceeds, purchasing a Porsche Panamera, expensive jewelry, including diamond and gold pendants for some members of his drug organization, and a half million-dollar home in the greater Los Angeles area.

McCoy, who previously served ten years in federal prison for a drug conviction in California, faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. McCoy was sentenced by United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg.

“Fentanyl is now the leading cause of overdose deaths. The number of lives saved by this seizure is inestimable. Our office will hold drug traffickers accountable for exposing our community to dangerous drugs,” stated United States Attorney Dawn Ison.

“The sentencing of Mr. McCoy should serve as a reminder to those who choose to traffic poison in our communities, that they will be held accountable,” stated Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division. “Mr. McCoy, having served a prior term in federal prison, was well aware of the potential consequences of his actions. The DEA will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to target the sources of supply and their drug trafficking networks throughout the state of Michigan and elsewhere.”

“The role of IRS Criminal Investigation in narcotics investigations is to follow the money so we can financially disrupt and dismantle international drug trafficking organizations,” said Charles Miller, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office. “We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to bring these criminals to justice.”

The case was investigated by agents of Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement (OCDETF) Southeast Regional Strike Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrea Hutting, Craig Wininger, and Gjon Juncaj prosecuted the case for the United States.