A Knoxville man faces federal criminal charges after a joint federal and state investigation of a heroin and fentanyl drug trafficking organization in Des Moines. 46-year-old Jason Beaman of Knoxville, along with 26 other individuals, were arrested on Wednesday from several residences in Des Moines. Three individuals have yet to be arrested.

The charges stem from a months’ long investigation into heroin and fentanyl distribution within the Des Moines area. The charges carry maximum penalties of up to life imprisonment. Numerous agencies from Central Iowa and the Midwest carried out the arrests. Each individual will appear in federal court at a later date.