Darius Jermaine "Tank" Blakemore
Joshua Corbett
Jessica Rachels
Three Chattanooga residents have been charged with distribution of heroin that led to the death of an individual in Red Bank in February.
Authorities have cited a recent rise in heroin abuse in the Chattanooga area, causing several overdose deaths, including three in one recent weekend.
A federal grand jury on Tuesday returned a superseding indictment charging Darius Jermaine "Tank" Blakemore, 27; Joshua Corbett, 27, and Jessica Rachels, 25, with conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in the death of another individual from his use of that heroin.
The three were also each charged with distributing heroin resulting in the death of the victim from his use of that heroin.
Blakemore was charged individually with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base “crack,” possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was also charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
The victim was found dead at his residence in Red Bank.
The superseding indictment alleges that he died from a heroin overdose.
If convicted as charged, Blakemore faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years up to a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. Corbett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years up to a statutory maximum of life in prison. Ms. Rachels faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years up to a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga Police Department, Red Bank Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Tennessee Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter represents the United States.
The name of the victim was not given.