Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Jackson, TN – Four Gibson County residents have been indicted for conspiring to distribute large quantities of highly pure methamphetamine throughout West Tennessee. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; and Johnie Carter, Special Agent in Charge of the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, announced the indictment today.

The following defendants have been indicted and arrested on a five-count drug conspiracy involving more than 50 grams of meth.

• Lonnie Edward George, 53, of Trenton, Tennessee
• Brian Mayo, 32, of Trenton, Tennessee
• Keith Sims, 44, of Trenton, Tennessee
• Thomas Vinson, 57, of Trenton, Tennessee

According to the indictment, between August 2015 and May 2016, the defendants conspired with each other to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute large quantities of "ice," which is meth with a purity level greater than 80 percent. The defendants also distributed multiple grams of meth.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than two pounds of ice, two firearms, 14 vehicles, and approximately $15,000 in drug proceeds from the defendants.

All four defendants have been charged with one count of conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of actual meth (ice); and one count of aiding and abetting each other to distribute, attempt to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute and attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

George is charged with an additional count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

Mayo is charged with an additional count of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of meth; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This case is being investigated by the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Gibson County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vic Ivy is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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