“These are real drug dealers” – Southerland; Victory Avenue drug dealers sentenced to over 100 years

Three men have been sentenced after a high-profile drug bust on Victory Avenue last spring. One has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The other is awaiting trial.

On Mar. 31, 2022, four suspects were arrested in a sting operation on Victory Avenue. One ran from the scene but was captured in another state a few months later. The six-month investigation was headed up by the Vicksburg Police Department’s Donnie Heggins, Mario Grady, and Matt Barnes. Several Vicksburg police officers assisted with the arrest, including Deputy Chiefs Mike Bryant and Troy Kimble.

Mario Grady with the VPD at the Victory Ave drug bust, March 2022. Photo by David Day

Chief Penny Jones held a press conference to praise her team for the investigation and arrest. The Vicksburg Daily News reported on the event live.

Branan Southerland and Liem Walker prosecuted the case for the state. “Our office and the Vicksburg Police Department spent hundreds of hours on this case and feel justice has been served,” said Southerland. “We have three who have been sentenced to over 100 years. One has yet to be sentenced, and one is awaiting trial.”

Captured at the scene were Alexander Lindsey, 30, of Vicksburg; Ambus Wallace, 37, of Edwards; Brandon Wilson, 30, of Vicksburg; and Kawjuan Jones, 26, of Vicksburg. Marcus Wilson was later captured in Texas. All five were charged with two counts of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and five counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Additionally, all five were charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance – Trafficking.

All five were also charged with a Second and Subsequent Offense under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act due to prior felony convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Lindsey from a March 2018 conviction, Jones from a November 2019 conviction, Brandon Wilson from a May 2019 conviction, Marcus Wilson from a February 2019 conviction, and Wallace from an April 2016 conviction. Lindsey and Marcus Wilson were also charged as habitual offenders.

Some of the main players in the drug arrest. Photo by David Day

“I think it’s important for the public to understand that these are real drug dealers. We aren’t talking about first-offender drug users. We are talking about drug dealers moving massive amounts of drugs into our community,” said Southerland. “The majority of the shootings and violent crimes that occur in our town are the direct results of drugs.”

In the high-profile drug bust on Victory Avenue, Kawjuan Jones was sentenced to 30 years with 12 to serve, while Marcus Wilson received a total sentence of 50 years with 20 to serve. Brandon Wilson was sentenced to 32 years, with 16 to serve. Ambus Wallace, who was also charged in the case, has pleaded guilty and is currently waiting for sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in a couple of weeks. Alexander Lindsey is currently wanted on a capias warrant..

Judge M. James Chaney presided over the sentencing.

During the press conference held after the drug bust, Chief Jones made a comment, stating, “We certainly want the citizens to know that drug activity in Vicksburg is not unknown. We know what’s going on. Eventually, you are going to get caught.”