Federal drug and gun investigation in Dallas ends with 13 convictions and a combined 915 months prison sentence

Dallas, Texas – Federal prosecutors in North Texas announced the convictions and sentencing of 13 defendants tied to a large-scale drug trafficking and firearms operation that authorities say fueled violence in some of Dallas’ most dangerous neighborhoods.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould said the defendants received a combined 915 months in federal prison after being convicted of drug trafficking offenses, conspiracy charges, and unlawful firearm possession.

The operation resulted in major drug and weapon seizures, including 4.1 kilograms of marijuana, 282 grams of crack cocaine, 2.3 kilograms of cocaine, 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 6.1 grams of fentanyl.

Investigators also seized 12 firearms, two Glock switches capable of converting pistols into machine gun-style weapons, and nearly $12,000 in cash.

Federal officials confirmed the final defendant tied to the organization was sentenced on May 7, 2026, bringing the lengthy investigation and prosecution effort to a close.

Defendants Receive Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences

Among the defendants, Edward Williams received the longest sentence at 240 months in federal prison.

Several others also received lengthy prison terms connected to the drug trafficking organization.

Courtney Smith, Jordan Davis, and Brandon Bedford were each sentenced to 87 months in prison, while Xavier Barnes received 92 months.

Davonia Hart was sentenced to 50 months, Alicia Slaughter received 57 months, Lucis Lugo also received 57 months, and Perry Taylor was sentenced to 42 months.

Dmarcus Quartez Roderick Moton received a 40-month sentence, Ladarius Holly was sentenced to 37 months, and Sebastian Medlock received 26 months.

Quentavis Zikeiy Hawkins was sentenced to time served, which federal officials said amounted to approximately 13 and a half months.

Authorities said the operation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created under Executive Order 14159 titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion.

According to federal officials, the Homeland Security Task Force is designed to target criminal cartels, gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human trafficking or smuggling operations operating both inside and outside the United States.

Officials stated that the initiative uses cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute violent crimes connected to organized criminal activity.

The task force also places special attention on crimes involving children and violent criminal offenders.

Investigation Focused on High Crime Dallas Neighborhoods

Federal authorities said the investigation was also connected to a Violent Crime Reduction Plan that used hot spot policing strategies across 47 Dallas neighborhoods identified as having some of the city’s highest violent crime rates.

The neighborhoods were reportedly selected after statistical analysis conducted by a local university.

Investigators focused heavily on one area that authorities described as frequently associated with illegal narcotics sales, illegal firearms, machine gun conversion devices, capital murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and assaults on public servants.

Officials said the operation demonstrated the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts aimed at reducing violent crime throughout Dallas.

“This operation represents a significant step forward in the shared mission of FBI Dallas, Dallas Police Department and the Northern District of Texas, to reduce violent crime and protect our community,” federal officials said. “The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies in keeping Dallas safe.”

The investigation was led by the Dallas Police Department and the FBI Dallas Safe Streets and Gang Task Force.

Federal prosecutors with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas handled the prosecution.

Authorities continue emphasizing the importance of targeting drug trafficking organizations connected to violent crime, illegal firearms, and repeat criminal activity in North Texas communities.