Duxbury Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl and Cocaine in Greater Plymouth Area and Conspiring to Launder the Proceeds (DOJ)

BOSTON - A Duxbury man has been charged in a six-count indictment for allegedly distributing, and conspiring to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine in Duxbury, Kingston, Middleborough and Plymouth.

Justin Tatum, a/k/a "JD," 40, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue, 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine). Tatum was also indicted on two counts of distributing fentanyl (including fentanyl analogue) and on two counts of possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute. Tatum was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in July 2025. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 12, 2026 in federal court in Boston.

Tatum and a second individual, Trinity Norman, a/k/a "Trin," 41, of Plymouth, were also indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy. Norman was arrested on Feb. 2, 2026 and released on conditions following an initial appearance.

According to court records, in December 2024, several cooperating sources told investigators that Tatum sold fentanyl and cocaine in the greater Plymouth area. In response, a cooperating witness allegedly made controlled purchases of fentanyl and other drugs from Tatum. Between April 2025 and July 2025, Tatum was intercepted over court-authorized wiretaps allegedly discussing distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. On July 14, 2025, a search was executed at Tatum's house and at a location in Middleborough where large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine were seized.

In 2009, Tatum was convicted in Plymouth Superior Court of trafficking cocaine and sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue) provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jared A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Kingston, Plymouth, Duxbury and Rochester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and Brian J. Sullivan of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.