2 men face drug charges after nearly yearlong federal investigation

MT. VERNON, Ill. (KBSI) – Two men face drug charges in Mt. Vernon after a nearly yearlong federal investigation into drug trafficking.

On Friday, May 17, the Mt. Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshalls Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Illinois State Police K9 conducted an initial round of arrest and search warrants in the Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County area.

The warrants were obtained after a nearly yearlong federal investigation into drug trafficking.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department/Jefferson County Sheriff Office Narcotics Unit and Federal Bureau of Investigation has previously served several search warrants on homes, arrested people associated with the investigation when in possession of illegal narcotics, conducted interviews with those associated and conducted numerous controlled buys.

Three tactical teams from the Federal Bureau of Investigation served federal arrest warrants at two locations in Mt. Vernon.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department/Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office High Risk Team served two state search warrants in Mt Vernon.

Teams from the United States Marshalls service and Illinois State Police K9 served arrest warrants at four more locations.

Seven people were initially taken into custody. After interviews, three of those seven were released.

Those arrested on state charges include Dantrez D Brown, 28, on charges of manufacture/delivery of cocaine 1-15 grams near a church/school and possession of Fentanyl.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department/Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office High Risk Team served a knock and announce search warrant at his home. Members of the MVPD/JCSO narcotics unit conducted the search.

Joevon C. Taylor, 39, was arrested on a Jefferson County warrant charging him with three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to delivery and obstructing justice/destroy evidence.

A team from the United States Marshalls Service and Illinois State Police served the warrant.

This is the first round of arrests for this investigation.

Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.