In the late weeks of February 2024, Agents with the Morgan County Sheriff's Drug Enforcement Unit initiated an investigation into Frank Joseph Bukszar, 34 of Somerville, and his involvement with a possible drug trafficking organization occurring within Morgan County.

On February 28th, 2024, Agents conducted a traffic stop on Bukszar in Decatur where he was found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with a firearm. Bukszar was immediately taken into custody.

Later that evening, a search warrant pertaining to the investigation of Bukszar was obtained and executed by Agents at a residence in the 800-block of Union Rd in Somerville.

Upon arrival, Agents made contact with Barry Benton Maxwell, 46 of Somerville, and Jessica Nichole Philyaw, 41 of Somerville. During the search of the residence, Agents located additional quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms, one of which was reported stolen through the Somerville Police Department.

During the investigation involving Bukszar and his co-conspirators, nearly three pounds of methamphetamine, over 50 grams of fentanyl, and several firearms were seized.

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Bukszar was arrested and charged with:

• two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Trafficking in Illegal Drugs-Fentanyl
• two counts of Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Pistol
• Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance-Buprenorphine
• two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Buksxar's bond was set at $116,000.00.

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Maxwell was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Trafficking in Illegal Drugs-Fentanyl
• Tampering with Physical Evidence
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Maxwell's bond was set at $10,600.00.

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Philyaw was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Trafficking in Illegal Drugs-Fentanyl
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Philyaw's bond was set at $10,300.00

All were transported to and booked in the Morgan County Jail. 

Arrests are public information. Any indication of an individual's arrest does not imply they have been convicted of a crime. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.