Duxbury Man Faces Life After Explosive Federal Drug Indictment

BOSTON (WBSM) — A Duxbury man faces life in federal prison if convicted on a six-count indictment for his alleged involvement in the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine in Duxbury, Kingston, Middleboro and Plymouth.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 40-year-old Justin Tatum, a.k.a. “JD,” was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as two counts of distributing fentanyl and on two counts of possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute. Tatum was arrested and charged in July 2025.

In addition to the drug distribution charges, Tatum and a second person – Trinity Norman, a.k.a. “Trin,” 41, of Plymouth – were also indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy. Norman was arrested on Feb. 2, 2026 and released on conditions following an initial appearance.

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How Investigators Built the Federal Case

The charges date back to December 2024, when investigators were informed that Tatum was selling fentanyl and cocaine in the greater Plymouth area. Investigators got a cooperating witness to buy fentanyl and other drugs from Tatum. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that between April 2025 and July 2025, court-authorized wiretaps caught Tatum allegedly discussing fentanyl and cocaine distribution. That led to a search of Tatum’s house and a location in Middleboro on July 14, 2025, and large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine were seized.

Tatum’s Prior Drug Conviction

Tatum was previously convicted in Plymouth Superior Court of trafficking cocaine in 2019, and was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

What the Federal Charges Mean

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater.

Tatum is scheduled to be arraigned on February 12 in federal court in Boston.