Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Allegedly Conspiring to Traffic Fentanyl and Cocaine in Chicago

CHICAGO - A federal grand jury has indicted a man for allegedly conspiring to traffic fentanyl and cocaine in Chicago.

JAYLIN ARNOLD, 28, of Chicago, conspired with four other individuals to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in Chicago from January to June of 2025, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment seeks forfeiture from Arnold of three handguns and associated ammunition. Arnold's arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled. Arnold was recently convicted of a firearm crime in state court in connection with the June 5, 2025, police chase that led to the shooting of Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera.

The four alleged co-conspirators-DASHAWN POWELL, 40, TARELL SMITH, 39, JOSHUA THOMAS, 42, and BERNARD SPENCER, 33, all of Chicago -were indicted separately earlier this year on federal drug conspiracy and related firearm charges. They have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.

All five defendants are currently being held in law enforcement custody.

The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.