6 accused in drug trafficking conspiracy in Chicago

According to the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Andrew Boutros, drug conspiracy charges have been filed against six people, including 40-year-old Terrance Patton, 43-year-old Craig Caldwell, 48-year-old Timothy Belin, 39-year-old Jennifer Word and 41-year-old Denomoius Wells and 40-year-old Andre Debruce.

Of the six named in the indictment, five are from Chicago, while Debruce is a Schiller Park resident, prosecutors said.

In addition to the drug conspiracy charges, Patton and Caldwell, both previously convicted felons, have also been charged with illegal firearm possession. 

Prosecutors said the charges stem from the group’s alleged role in a conspiracy to distribute the drugs in Chicago in 2024. They were handed down following a federal investigation into fentanyl, heroin and cocaine sales in the city.

Wells appeared in court on Tuesday for arraignment and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The five others named in the indictment have also pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignments.

If convicted, Caldwell could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years. Patton and Debruce could face maximum sentences of 40 years, with a mandatory minimum of five years, while Belin, Word, and Wells each face up to 20 years, with no mandatory minimum.

The probe into the alleged drug sales was part of “Operation Take Back America,” a DOJ-led nationwide initiative launched in March to intensify prosecution against illegal immigration, cartels, human trafficking and violent crime.

Authorities have not provided booking photos for anyone charged.