GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Michigan, Western), published as received.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that on April 14, 2026, a grand jury indicted eight defendants for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other related offenses. Six defendants had previously been indicted in separate cases. The eight defendants indicted on April 14 are listed below:
United States v. Echols, et al., No. 1:26-cr-00035 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Age | Residence | Status and Charges |
Shawn Bernard Echols, a/k/a “Doe,” “Brother-in-Law” | 56 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances |
| Lamont Roquinton Thomas, a/k/a “Jug,” “Jughead” | 52 | Berrien Springs, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine |
Anthony Lynn Lloyd, a/k/a “Amp” | 54 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl |
| Adrian Linn Travier | 36 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of Methamphetamine |
| Lamar Edward Sanders | 47 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances |
Keith Trayvon Curtis a/k/a “Tray,” “Nephew” | 35 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances |
| Lue Chanel Williams | 54 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Commit Concealment Money Laundering and False Statement within the Jurisdiction of the United States |
United States v. Traylor, No. 1:26-cr-00036 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Age | Residence | Status and Charges |
Gregory Levell Traylor, a/k/a “Vell” | 47 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine |
The six defendants previously indicted are listed below:
United States v. Ballard, et al., No. 1:26-cr-00016 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Age | Residence | Status and Charges |
Korey Demichael Ballard, a/k/a “Dizzle” | 31 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of Methamphetamine and Cocaine |
| Charles Xavier Williams | 41 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of Methamphetamine |
| Deshun Lee Holmes | 38 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Pending Guilty Plea – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine |
| Demyron Lashun Robinson | 42 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Indicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of Cocaine |
United States v. Scott, et al., No. 1:25-cr-00176 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Age | Residence | Status and Charges |
Michael Deanglo Scott, a/k/a “Bink,” “Binky” | 32 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Pled Guilty – Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine |
Michael Devontae Scott, a/k/a “Big Head” | 33 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Pled Guilty – Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine |
The investigation arose after agents learned that a group of Benton Harbor drug traffickers were obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs through third-party carriers out-of-state. For example, on July 9, 2025, investigators seized over 19 pounds of methamphetamine from a FedEx box delivered from California to Bangor, Michigan. On November 19, 2025, investigators executed over a dozen search warrants in Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, St. Joseph, and Kalamazoo, Michigan and elsewhere, which resulted in the seizure of nearly a kilogram of fentanyl, over 500 grams of cocaine, over $40,000 in cash, and multiple firearms. Further details of the investigation are available in the criminal complaint filed in United States v. Scott, No. 1:25-mj-00612.
“This investigation shows the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies,” stated U.S. Attorney VerHey. “With the assistance of my office, various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies worked together to focus their efforts on disrupting the supply chain of some of the largest methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine traffickers in Southwest Michigan. We look forward to proving these defendants’ involvement in the drug trafficking and money laundering beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine continue to cause devastating harm in our communities, and we will not tolerate those who seek to profit from the distribution of these dangerous substances,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I commend the dedicated members of the FBI St. Joseph Resident Agency for their work on this case and their role in the broader homeland security mission through the Michigan Homeland Security Task Force and Operation Lake Effect. We will continue our efforts to disrupt and dismantle individuals and organizations who distribute dangerous drugs in our region.”
These cases were investigated and prosecuted by the Michigan Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Lake Effect. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Michigan State Police, Southwest Enforcement Team, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, Battle Creek Police Department, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Benton Township Police Department, Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department, Lincoln Township Police Department, St. Joseph Department of Public Safety, and St. Joseph Township Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vito S. Solitro.
The charges in the indictments are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
