CHICAGO — A sweeping federal investigation targeting fentanyl and illegal firearm trafficking in Chicago has led to felony charges against five individuals, authorities announced Friday.
The charges stem from an indictment unsealed this week as part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative to crack down on violent crime and narcotics trafficking across the country.
Fentanyl, Meth and Heroin Allegedly Distributed Across Chicago
The four primary drug trafficking suspects have been identified as:
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Jared Daniels, 33, of Chicago
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Cristine Serrano, 34, of Chicago
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Shernell Anderson, 35, of Chicago
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Larry Lemon, 43, of Brookfield
All four are accused of conspiring to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin throughout the city during 2023 and 2024.
An additional suspect, Jonathan Collins, 33, also of Chicago, has been charged alongside Daniels and Serrano with federal firearm offenses, after investigators say they were caught illegally possessing firearms — including handguns modified with switch devices capable of firing multiple rounds in rapid succession.
All Defendants Remain in Custody
Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois confirmed Friday that all five defendants are currently being held in custody as the legal proceedings move forward.
According to the unsealed indictment, Collins, Daniels, and Serrano were each in possession of weapons enhanced with conversion devices, which effectively turn handguns into automatic firearms, a federal crime carrying significant penalties.
Stiff Sentences Possible If Convicted
If convicted, Daniels, Serrano, Anderson, and Lemon face a maximum sentence of life in prison, with mandatory minimums ranging from 10 to 15 years depending on the substance and quantity involved.
Jonathan Collins, facing only firearm-related charges, could serve up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted under the Operation Take Back America banner — a federal effort launched in March to increase enforcement against:
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Drug trafficking
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Human smuggling
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Gang and cartel activity
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Violent firearm-related crime
Officials did not release booking photos of the suspects, citing privacy and case sensitivity.
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