OZARK, Ala. (WDNews) — The final defendant in a major Wiregrass drug trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced, concluding a multi-year federal investigation that dismantled a large narcotics network operating across Dale, Houston, and surrounding counties.
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer announced Tuesday that 45-year-old Terrell Edwards, of Ozark, was sentenced on Nov. 4 to 240 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. A jury convicted Edwards earlier this year. He will also serve three years of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
The case stems from a 2023 DEA-led investigation into suspected trafficking by Edwards’s brother, 46-year-old Terrance Edwards, also of Ozark. Court records show investigators determined that the brothers were part of a 15-member drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into the Wiregrass for distribution. Twelve members of the organization were indicted in June 2024, with three additional defendants indicted that August.
Terrance Edwards was identified as a major participant and key leader in the operation. He was sentenced on March 13, 2025, to 408 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Two Brundidge men, Michael Sanford, 54, and Dontavia Barrow, 46, were also convicted as part of the conspiracy.
Other members of the organization and their sentences include:
Deondre Ferebee, 43, of Ozark – 210 months; five years supervised release;
Carlos Olivo Ynirio-Sanchez, 24, of the Dominican Republic – 168 months; five years;
Anthony Williams, 46, of Ozark – 156 months; five years;
Michael Sanford, 54, of Brundidge – 150 months; five years;
Corey Jones, 39, of Midland City – 144 months; five years;
Frazier Franklin, 47, of Dothan – 120 months; five years;
Kevin McLeod, 48, of Enterprise – 120 months; five years;
Aaron Jiles, 46, of Ozark – 84 months; five years;
Cornelius Kilow, 48, of Ariton – 84 months; five years;
Kevon Green, 37, of Ozark – 67 months; five years;
Dontavia Barrow, 46, of Brundidge – 60 months; four years;
Palmere Ritter, 39, of Dothan – 44 months; five years;
Willie C. Matthews, 55, of Fort Walton Beach – 30 months; three years.
“The Edwards brothers and their co-conspirators flooded the Wiregrass with illegal narcotics,” Davidson said. “Their sentences reflect our commitment to protecting the people of this district from those who endanger our communities through drug trafficking.”
Hofer said the operation marked the dismantling of a major drug trafficking organization and highlighted the scope of cooperation behind the case.
“For too long, these individuals poisoned our communities with large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin,” Hofer said. “The substantial sentences handed down send a clear message: the DEA and our partners are committed to aggressively pursuing and bringing to justice those who profit from drug distribution. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and health of the citizens in Alabama and across the New Orleans Division.”
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, Eufaula Police Department, Dothan Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Dale County Sheriff’s Office, and Ozark Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Mark Andreu.
