A prominent Seattle community activist has been accused of exploiting her position at a violence prevention charity to help launder profits from a major fentanyl trafficking network allegedly operated by her son and husband.
Charges Against a Trusted Figure
Marty Jackson, 50, the former head of the non-profit SE Network SafetyNet, is charged with using the organisation to wash money for a drug operation. Prosecutors claim the ring was led by her 32-year-old son, Marquis Jackson, and her 51-year-old husband, Mandel Jackson.
Marty Jackson was a well-known and trusted figure in Seattle, frequently appearing on television to discuss gun violence prevention. Her non-profit, which stated its goal was providing violence intervention in public schools and south Seattle communities, received lucrative contracts from the city and county.
The Scale of the Alleged Criminal Enterprise
The investigation, led by the FBI and DEA, began focusing on Marquis Jackson in 2022. The case expanded significantly in December 2024, when nine new defendants and charges related to prostitution were added to the original 2024 indictment, which included the Jacksons and 14 others.
Authorities allege the network distributed fentanyl across multiple US states, including Washington, Montana, Georgia, Missouri, Texas, and Arizona. Tragically, investigators linked the group's activities to a series of fentanyl overdose deaths on the Lummi Nation reservation in Whatcom County.
In a statement, the US Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington revealed the staggering scale of the seizures: more than 846,000 fentanyl pills, nearly 7 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 7 kilograms of cocaine, 29 firearms, and over $116,000 in cash.
Sentencing and Ongoing Case
In November 2024, 44-year-old Michael Young Jr., described as a high-level member of the organisation, became the first of the 24 charged defendants to be sentenced. He received a seven-year prison term after pleading guilty. All other defendants, including the Jackson family, have entered not guilty pleas.
At Young's sentencing, US District Court Judge Jamal N Whitehead delivered a powerful rebuke, stating, "Every pill you moved was a loaded gun. The sentence needs to hold you accountable for the lives you endangered." Prosecutors have stated the group's actions "unquestionably led to overdose and death."
If convicted, the defendants face potential sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. The case continues to unfold, shocking a community that once placed its trust in Marty Jackson and her non-profit's mission.
