A Duxbury resident has been indicted on federal charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine in several Massachusetts communities, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Justin Tatum, also known as “JD,” age 40, faces a six-count indictment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The indictment alleges that the case involves at least 400 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Tatum is also charged with two counts each of distributing fentanyl (including its analogue) and possessing narcotics with intent to distribute. He was arrested in July 2025 following a criminal complaint and is scheduled for arraignment on February 12, 2026, in Boston federal court.
Tatum and another individual, Trinity Norman (“Trin”), age 41 from Plymouth, were both indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy. Norman was arrested on February 2, 2026 and released under conditions after an initial court appearance.
Court records indicate that investigators received information from cooperating sources in December 2024 about Tatum’s alleged drug sales in the greater Plymouth area. Authorities say a cooperating witness made controlled purchases from Tatum. Between April and July 2025, law enforcement intercepted communications through wiretaps allegedly discussing drug distribution activities. On July 14, 2025, searches at Tatum’s residence and another location in Middleborough resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Tatum has a prior conviction for trafficking cocaine in Plymouth Superior Court dating back to 2009; he was sentenced then to fifteen years in state prison.
The charge involving conspiracy to distribute large amounts of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment if convicted. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries up to twenty years’ imprisonment if convicted. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“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.” According to the statement: “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 are prosecuting the case.
“The details contained in the charging documents are allegations,” authorities noted. “The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”