BELFAST — A Jackson man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs in Jackson April 4, 2024. 

Allen James, 43, was arrested Aug. 29. 2023, along with seven others who were targeted in an investigation into the sale of crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine throughout central Maine and the Midcoast, according to a media report released by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency the day of their arrests. 

James faced six counts in total relating to his arrest, including three counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs. While one count was dismissed, James was sentenced to 30 years in prison and a $400 fine for both the second and third count. James was sentenced to six months in jail for violating a condition of release, and had a single criminal conspiracy charge dismissed.  

According to the report, investigators from the MDEA's south central office in Augusta, the Midoast office in Thomaston, and the western Maine office in Lewiston had been investigating a network of drug traffickers operating within Waldo, Kennebec, and Androscoggin Counties. 

The investigation involved many hours of surveillance, in addition to undercover purchases, as well the execution of several search warrants. 

The arrests took place over the course of a week, with Allen James being picked up following a vehicle pursuit. A woman found in the vehicle was also arrested following the vehicle pursuit in Augusta. Both were transported to Waldo County Correctional Facility for booking.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com