Detroit, Michigan – A Detroit man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking operation that spread dangerous narcotics into the community. The 52-year-old Israel Crumpton was handed a 40-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood after being convicted on multiple drug trafficking charges.
According to the Department of Justice, Crumpton headed a drug distribution network that operated from Detroit’s east side, specifically in the 7700 block of East Palmer Street. Over a six-month stretch between 2018 and 2019, he and several associates sold large amounts of heroin mixed with fentanyl, along with crack cocaine. Investigators said Crumpton wasn’t just involved in the street-level sales — he organized the entire operation, obtaining drugs in bulk and then distributing them to others who would resell the narcotics.
The County of Macomb Enforcement Team (COMET) launched an investigation into Crumpton’s activities in late 2018. Law enforcement officers conducted extensive surveillance of two properties connected to Crumpton, often referred to as a “trap house” and a “stash house.”
Officers reportedly witnessed numerous drug deals taking place at these locations. After gathering enough evidence, COMET secured search warrants and raided the properties, along with an additional location on Detroit’s west side.
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During the searches, officers discovered significant amounts of narcotics packaged for sale, along with drug paraphernalia, firearms, ammunition, and over $40,000 in cash. Crumpton and one of his associates were arrested and later charged. While the co-conspirator accepted a plea deal for drug trafficking, Crumpton chose to go to trial. In May 2024, a jury found him guilty on all counts related to drug trafficking.
Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck emphasized the importance of removing individuals like Crumpton from the streets, citing the severe impact of drugs like fentanyl and heroin on local communities.
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“Our office aggressively pursues drug traffickers who push substantial quantities of dangerous drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine into our neighborhoods for personal gain and with indifference to the tragedy they inflict,” Beck stated following the sentencing.
James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Detroit Division, also weighed in, describing Crumpton’s actions as reckless and driven by greed. He praised the partnership between ATF agents and Michigan State Police in bringing armed drug traffickers to justice.
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Crumpton’s prison sentence marks the end of a lengthy investigation and trial, as well as a small but important victory for law enforcement officials working to curb the spread of deadly narcotics throughout Detroit.