Federal grand jury indicts Rancho Cordova pair suspected of selling marijuana, mushrooms through social media

November 30, 2018 | 

A federal grand jury at U.S. District Court in Sacramento returned an indictment yesterday against two Rancho Cordova residents for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and psilocybin. The suspects under the seven charge indictment are Nathan Paul Barnes, 23, and Tiarra Maureen Jackson, 22, 

Evidence introduced in the indictment alleges Barnes and Jackson operated a drug distribution enterprise called “Fine Cali Herb” over various social media platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat. Barnes and Jackson sold large quantities of marijuana, THC products, and psilocybin -  mushrooms, to customers throughout the United States and abroad. 

To facilitate transactions, Barnes received payment for the narcotics in several forms, including Bitcoin. In July 2018, law enforcement agents conducted an undercover purchase of marijuana and mushrooms from Barnes through his Snapchat account, and agents also conducted surveillance of Barnes and Jackson dropping off mail parcels containing narcotics at post offices throughout the Sacramento area.

If convicted, Barnes and Jackson face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Barnes is being held at the Sacramento County Jail and is not eligible for bail.