LANSING, Mich. — Tamarious “Poogi” Faulkner, the leader of the Jackson street gang known as the “Thorough Bread Family” (TBF), pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced Faulkner’s plea, revealing that the 28-year-old Houston resident admitted to heading a large-scale drug trafficking operation that distributed substantial quantities of fentanyl in Jackson, Michigan. This marks a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on gang-related drug activity in the region.
Court documents describe TBF’s fentanyl as notably distinct from typical fentanyl in both texture and appearance. Unlike the more common powder form, the fentanyl distributed by the gang was found in a rock-like crystalline form and often dyed in shades of yellow, purple, or blue. These characteristics made it stand out in the illegal drug market, adding to its dangerous allure.
In addition to their drug trafficking activities, Faulkner and his associates were in possession of firearms and machine guns, which were used to protect their illegal operations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted the intersection of drug trafficking and violence, underscoring the severe impact TBF’s operations had on the community.
As part of the investigation, six other co-conspirators have already been sentenced for their involvement in the drug trafficking operation:
- Demond Johns, 27, of Jackson: 128 months in prison
- Dominique Faulkner, 33, of Jackson: 126 months in prison
- Zaire Faulkner, 26, of Jackson: 120 months in prison
- Demarquan Smith, 23, of Jackson: 120 months in prison
- Tommy Owens, 33, of Jackson: 87 months in prison
- Mario Murguia, 24, of Jackson: 60 months in prison
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck condemned the gang’s actions, noting that the TBF gang not only poisoned the community with illicit fentanyl but also relied on violence to protect their operations. She emphasized that this case is part of a broader, coordinated effort involving federal, state, and local authorities to dismantle criminal organizations that harm public safety.
Faulkner, who is scheduled for sentencing on April 29, 2025, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, he could face up to life in prison depending on the court’s ruling. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat the deadly combination of drugs and violence plaguing communities across Michigan.
