Three Missouri residents are facing federal charges after investigators uncovered their involvement in a year-long scheme to sell fentanyl-laced pills. The case, revealed after a recent court appearance, underscores the ongoing fight against illegal fentanyl across the state.
According to the Department of Justice, Kajuan M. Jackson, 40, Christopher D. Baird, 40, and Skyler B. Sledd, 26, were arrested following the unsealing of a criminal complaint in U.S. District Court on May 28. Prosecutors say the group distributed pills labeled “M30”—a tablet commonly linked to fentanyl—on multiple occasions between June 2024 and May 2025, selling them directly to an undercover officer.
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Sledd is currently under state felony supervision through Missouri Probation and Parole for a prior drug possession charge. The complaint also brings additional allegations against Jackson, accusing him of possessing multiple firearms, including machineguns, during the drug trafficking activities. As a convicted felon, Jackson is prohibited from owning any weapons or ammunition. His criminal history includes convictions for identity theft, drug crimes, weapons violations, and vehicle tampering.
Legal proceedings are still in the early stages. Prosecutors stressed that these are accusations at this point, and a federal jury will decide the outcome for the Kansas City defendants based on presented evidence.
Three Missouri individuals are now facing federal charges after investigators say they participated in a scheme to traffic fentanyl-laced pills
Credit: Deposit
If convicted, the defendants face steep penalties. Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, with a maximum of 40 years under federal law. Charges involving firearms—especially machineguns connected to drug crimes—come with a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison, with no possibility of parole.
Sentencing in federal court depends on several factors, including findings from a presentence investigation. A future hearing will determine penalties if the trio is found guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. The investigation was a joint effort involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri Western Interdiction Drug Task Force, and the United States Postal Service.
Authorities continue to sound the alarm about the dangers of counterfeit pills and the lethal threat posed by fentanyl, which remains a major driver of overdose deaths nationwide.
