From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Two Alabama men were convicted on Wednesday, Aug. 26 for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
The federal jury returned its guilty verdict against Isiah Thomas, 36, of Bessemer, and Tavara Gissendanner, 36, of Newville, after three days of testimony, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Evidence at trial proved that in 2019 Gissendanner directed a network of associates in trafficking quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl and money across the state. Gissendanner orchestrated the drug trafficking while in Alabama Department of Corrections custody, in part through the use of contraband cellular phones he obtained in prison.
“This verdict serves as notice to every individual involved in illegal narcotics distribution,” U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona said. “My office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who deal this deadly poison in our communities.”
The investigation was conducted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
“The success of this multi-faceted investigation would not have been possible without our ALEA partners and the assistance of the Alabama DOC,” said Escalona. “Law enforcement partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels are key to ensuring public safety. We are extremely proud to have been a part of the team of law enforcement professionals that brought these individuals to justice.”
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of over one kilogram or more of heroin is life in prison.