United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan

04/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 07:43

Muskegon Man Indicted For Possessing Arsenal Of Weapons And Drugs

Press Release

Muskegon Man Indicted For Possessing Arsenal Of Weapons And Drugs

Tuesday, April 30, 2024
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Orlando Bernard Easter, 35, of Muskegon, has been arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Easter with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms.

"These allegations are serious and touch on two major threats to our communities: fentanyl and the spread of illegal firearms in the hands of prohibited persons," said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "I'm grateful to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Michigan Enforcement Team for their work, including their effort to ensure crime doesn't pay by recovering the fruits of these alleged crimes."

The indictment alleges that Easter possessed cocaine, fentanyl, MDMA, and methamphetamine, with the intent to distribute those substances, in a residence and storage unit. Easter is also alleged to have possessed seven firearms, including two stolen handguns and a handgun with an obliterated serial number. Easter could not legally possess firearms following a prior felony conviction. Investigators seized over $100,000 in cash, as well as two cars and gold and diamond jewelry, which the government alleges were purchased using the proceeds of Easter's illegal drug trafficking enterprise. A photo of the seized evidence is below:

"Fatal drug poisonings caused by fentanyl are a significant threat to communities throughout Michigan," said Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. "DEA, our state, local, and federal partners will employ every resource available to hold individuals, like Mr. Easter, who peddle these poisons-for-profit, accountable."

This case was investigated by WEMET and DEA. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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Updated April 30, 2024
Topic
Firearms Offenses