A Lewisville man and a Michigan woman have been indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for their alleged involvement in a synthetic drug trafficking scheme targeting correctional institutions nationwide, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs announced. Adell Willis, 43, of Lewisville, and Judy Ly, 30, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, face charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute synthetic drugs and conspiracy to possess contraband in prison. Ly also faces a charge of possession of synthetic drugs with intent to distribute.
The indictment alleges that beginning in March 2023, Willis and Ly conspired to traffic synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, and stimulants into prisons. Willis reportedly purchased synthetic drugs from China, shipping them to his and Ly's residences. They then allegedly converted these drugs into a liquid, soaking sheets of paper before delivering them to inmates in various federal and state correctional institutions across the country.
This case is part of "Operation Take Back America," a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice. If convicted, Willis and Ly could each face up to 20 years in federal prison. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.