Eastern District of Kentucky
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Detroit Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Detroit man, Jarrett Howard, 56, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 300 months, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms as a convicted felon, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to testimony at trial, in November 2021, law enforcement received information that Howard was responsible for distributing fentanyl in Madison County. They then conducted a search of Howard’s residence, finding 285 grams of fentanyl, 416 grams of cocaine, and two loaded firearms. Law enforcement also discovered a digital scale and $34,450 at the residence.
Under federal law, Howard must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); Chief Rodney Richardson, Richmond Police Department; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff's Office, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by DEA, ATF, KSP, Richmond Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Shelby County Man Convicted of Theft of Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Shelbyville, Ky., man, Jeremy Wayne Harrell, 43, was convicted on Friday, August 23, by a federal jury in Frankfort, of theft of government benefits. The jury’s verdict was returned following a five-day trial and less than two hours of deliberations.
According to testimony at trial, Harrell intentionally stole money from the United States in an amount exceeding $1,000, namely U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Individual Unemployability (IU) disability payments that he was not entitled to receive.
Specifically, the evidence presented at trial indicated that Harrell was initially awarded IU benefits in 2011. In 2019, Harrell then founded Veterans Club, Inc., and he served as the Founder and CEO of the organization. The evidence that showed Harrell had a high level of work activity for Veterans Club, from 2019 through 2023. This included working 40-60 hours per week, actively running the organization, organizing events, managing over $400,000 in assets and approximately 6,000 volunteers, engaging in news media interviews, appearing on podcasts, appearing and speaking at community events, meeting with business and political leaders, teaching classes, accepting donations, among other work. This evidence confirmed that Harrell, as the active and successful Founder and CEO of Veterans Club, could maintain substantial gainful employment, rendering him ineligible to receive the IU benefits that he received from 2019 through 2023. Additionally, the evidence showed that Harrell made numerous false statements to the government about his daily life and work activities, depicting himself as withdrawn, without the ability to perform work, leading a highly restricted life, and rarely leaving his home; when in truth, he was an active and successful CEO of a vibrant organization. The evidence confirmed Harrell made these false representations to the government to depict himself as unemployable, conceal his active role as CEO of an organization, and attempt to continue to receive IU benefits. In total, Harrell wrongfully received more than $108,000 in IU benefits.
“In the end, this case was about a simple principle: preventing people from taking government assistance they are not entitled to receive,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “He provided false information to the government, which concealed his ineligibility, and he wrongfully obtained a significant amount funds – funds that should have been provided to other veterans who were eligible for this assistance. I commend the efforts of our law enforcement partners and trial team, whose work defended this simple principle, and resulted in a verdict reaffirming it.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal, jointly announced the verdict.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman.
Harrell will appear for sentencing on December 9, 2024. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
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Jessamine County Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Lenny Needy, 66, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 18 months in prison, for bank robbery by intimidation.
According to his plea agreement, on August 17, 2023, Needy robbed Traditional Bank on Nicholasville Road in Lexington. Specifically, Needy approached the teller window and handed her a note, then saying words to the effect: “This is a robbery, give me everything you have!” A teller was able to hit a silent alarm; but as she hit the alarm, Needy said not to hit any buttons and to hurry up with the money. Needy obtained $6,943 in cash from the teller and fled the scene. Law enforcement later identified Needy through cameras and DNA testing on his clothing.
Under federal law, Needy must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Pendleton County Couple Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A DeMossville, Ky., couple, Robert Gullion, 31, and Catelyn Simpson-Barnett, 33, were sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 204 months and 138 months, respectively, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Gullion was also sentenced for possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking.
According to their plea agreements, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Gullion and Simpson-Barnett, finding two bags of fentanyl, a loaded syringe on the passenger floorboard, and three bags of a crystal substance later confirmed to be 722.8 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also seized multiple safes in the vehicle, one containing a bag of 27 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun with an extended magazine, other drug paraphernalia, miscellaneous pills, and $5,509.04.
Gullion and Simpson-Barnett both admitted to their roles in conspiring to distribute the controlled substances for approximately two months. Gullion claimed ownership of the firearm and admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Under federal law, Gullion and Simpson-Barnett must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will both be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Former Anderson County Band Director Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A former Anderson County High School Band Director and teacher, Patrick Howard Brady, 38, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 25 years in prison, for production of child pornography.
Brady was a teacher at Anderson County High School and served as the band director until May 15, 2023. According to his plea agreement, Brady used text messaging, FaceTime, and a social media app (VSCO), to engage a minor into a romantic and sexual relationship. Specifically, beginning in the summer of 2022, Brady and the victim engaged in a sexually explicit relationship, starting via text, calls, and FaceTime, eventually occurring in person, multiple times, including at the high school.
Law enforcement began investigating the relationship between Brady and the victim in May 2023. When law enforcement arrested Brady and seized his cell phone, he had removed the VSCO application from his phone. Brady admitted that, on two or more occasions, he knowingly used a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of transmitting live visual depictions of that conduct.
Under federal law, Brady must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Joe Milam, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Pulaski County Man Sentenced for Cyber Intrusion and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Somerset, Ky., man, Jesse Kipf, 39, was sentenced to 81 months on Monday by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to his plea agreement, Kipf intentionally accessed a computer without authorization and then obtained information from a protected computer for his own private gain and in furtherance of identity theft. Specifically, in January 2023, Kipf accessed the Hawaii Death Registry System, using the username and password of a physician living in another state, and created a “case” for his own death. Kipf then completed a State of Hawaii Death Certificate Worksheet, assigned himself as the medical certifier for the case and certified his death, using the digital signature of the doctor. This resulted in Kipf being registered as a deceased person in many government databases. Kipf admitted that he faked his own death, in part, to avoid his outstanding child support obligations.
Kipf also infiltrated other states’ death registry systems, private business networks, and governmental and corporate networks using credentials he stole from real people. He then tried to sell access to these networks to potential buyers on the dark net, an overlay network within the internet that can only be accessed with specific software, configurations, or authorization and is commonly associated with the sale of illicit goods and services.
“This scheme was a cynical and destructive effort, based in part on the inexcusable goal of avoiding his child support obligations,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This case is a stark reminder of how damaging criminals with computers can be, and how critically important computer and online security is to us all. Fortunately, through the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this case will serve as a warning to other cyber criminals, and he will face the consequences of his disgraceful conduct.”
“Working in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, this defendant who hacked a variety of computer systems and maliciously stole the identity of others for his own personal gain, will now pay the price,” said Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office. “Victims of identity theft face lifelong impact and for that reason, the FBI will pursue anyone foolish enough to engage in this cowardly behavior.”
Under federal law, Kipf must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. The damage to governmental and corporate computer systems and his failure to pay his child support obligations amounted to a total of $195,758.65.
United States Attorney Shier and Special Agent in Charge Stansbury; Russell Coleman, Attorney General of Kentucky; Anna E. Lopez, Attorney General for Hawaii; and Sheriff Bobby Jones, Pulaski County Sherriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by FBI Louisville, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Department of the Attorney General for Hawaii, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Former Blackberry Volunteer Fire Chief Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky.— The former Fire Chief of the Blackberry Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) in Pike County, Christopher Chapman, 35, pleaded guilty, on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to theft of public funds.
In 2021, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, to support communities and local governments that were struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government distributed emergency funding to local governments to maintain vital local services. In Spring 2022, Pike County local government authorized the distribution of $50,000 of these funds through grants that were allocated for the purchase of turnout gear for fire and rescue, along with equipment and building maintenance. Chapman applied for these grants on behalf of BVFD, and the local government awarded the full amount of the grants.
According to his plea agreement, on April 11, 2022, Chapman created a company named Rural Public Safety Equipment, LLC. (RPSE), as the sole organizer and member, and registered it with the West Virginia Secretary of State. Chapman then informed members of the BVFD that he could obtain fire safety equipment at cost from a safety equipment company, and he failed to disclose that he was the owner of the company. The fire department pre-paid and ordered $76,854.50 worth of fire and safety equipment from RPSE. Instead of using the prepayments from BVFD to fulfill the orders, Chapman never fulfilled any fire and safety equipment orders, spent all the money on his own personal use, and withdrew $61,500 in cash from the RPSE bank account.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Bruce Roberts, Interim Executive Director, Kentucky Fire Commission, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kentucky Fire Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Dunn-Pirio is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the United States.
Chapman is scheduled to appear for sentencing on November 25, 2024. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Jackson County Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A McKee, Ky., man, David Jason Parkey, 41, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 270 months in prison, for production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on January 18, 2023, in a Facebook messenger conversation, Parkey exchanged a series of sexually explicit messages and images with a minor victim. In these messages, Parkey directed the victim to take sexually explicit photos, and then send them to him, via Facebook messenger.
Under federal law, Parkey must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Blankenship is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Two Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Illegally Acquire Codeine and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Richard Rogers Jr., 33, and Chad Wolf, 27, were sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 44 months and 39 months, respectively, for conspiracy to acquire and possess codeine and aggravated identity theft. Rogers and Wolf were also each ordered to forfeit $57,336 – the amount of their illegal codeine resale profits.
According to their plea agreements, Rogers and Wolf conspired, over multiple years, in submitting numerous fraudulent prescriptions for Promethazine-Codeine syrup, which were sent to pharmacies in various Kentucky locations. Neither Rogers nor Wolf had valid prescriptions for codeine cough syrup in their own name. Instead, Rogers and Wolf acquired identity information from unsuspecting individuals – often in the form of driver’s licenses. Rogers and Wolf also acquired DEA numbers of medical providers from others, including from physicians in Michigan and Kentucky, without the physicians’ authorization or consent. They used this information to create fraudulent prescriptions for codeine cough syrup and organized others to retrieve the prescriptions as they were filled.
Under federal law, Rogers and Wolf must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for one year.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Moynahan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Woodford County Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – A Versailles, Ky., man, Francisco Camacho, Jr., 31, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 198 months in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, Camacho agreed with others to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Eastern District of Kentucky and the Southern District of West Virginia. During an investigation conducted by law enforcement officers from the AHIDTA Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force, ATF, and the DEA, Camacho was identified as a source of supply of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Kentucky and West Virginia. From March 2021 to April 2022, law enforcement officers uncovered evidence that Camacho was responsible for the distribution of over 400 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of methamphetamine. Camacho had previously been convicted by the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, of conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
Under federal law, Camacho must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division; and the AHIDTA NKDTF, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the ATF, and the AHIDTA NKDTF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Knott County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Vest, Ky., man, Lee Rose, 37, was sentenced on Wednesday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 216 months, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, between at least September 2023 and January 2024, Rose was selling methamphetamine in Knott County. Specifically, on September 27, 2023, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of over 50 grams of methamphetamine from Rose. At the time he sold this methamphetamine, Rose was on parole, for three separate prior convictions for felony trafficking in methamphetamine. Law enforcement then engaged in additional transactions where Rose provided methamphetamine, on October 4, 2023 (for 52 grams), on October 9, 2023 (for 13 grams), and January 9, 2024 (for 56 grams).
Under federal law, Rose must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Dale Richardson, Knott County Sheriff, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, KSP, and Knott County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Floyd County Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Harold, Ky., man, Christopher Hall, 26, was sentenced on Wednesday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 50 years in prison, for production and distribution of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on May 29, 2022, Hall produced a video of him sexually abusing a minor. Hall later distributed the video to others using WhatsApp.
Under federal law, Hall must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Former Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Employee Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Frankfort woman, Brittany Joyce May, 35, pleaded guilty on Thursday, before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to her plea agreement, between July 2021 and May 2023, May was employed as an administrative specialist at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). As part of her duties, May managed payments to providers who were eligible for payments under certain adoption and foster programs. In doing so, May input provider information into the computer resource directory, including their personal identifying information and banking information. To receive payments under these programs, providers submitted request paperwork to CHFS. Upon receiving those requests, May would initiate payments, via a wire transfer, to the provider’s bank account. However, when some providers did not submit the required paperwork or stopped receiving payments because their services had expired, May would instead direct funds that would have been paid to them to four bank accounts that she owned and controlled.
To conceal these actions, May would submit false invoices, to make it appear as if the provider had requested payment. And knowing the system would automatically send notifications to the provider’s listed address, indicating a payment had been made, May would change the provider addresses, to forward the notices elsewhere. From July 2021 to May 2023, May used the names and/or social security numbers of 45 providers in the computer resource directory to operate her scheme, and she further opened bank accounts using the personal identifying information of two providers.
In all, May misappropriated $444,663.77 in funds and initiated more than 540 fraudulent wire transfers to bank accounts she owned and controlled.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Karen Wingerd, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation; and Lesley Allison, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Field Division, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the IRS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly-Williams prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
May is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5, 2024. She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge, as well as a mandatory, consecutive two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced for Money Laundering and Identity Theft in Scheme Linked to City of LexingtonRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A North Bergen, N.J., man, Jean Mejia-Garcia was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 72 months, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $4,690,870.81 in restitution.
According to his plea agreement, from February 2022 to February 2023, Garcia worked with his co-conspirators, Nana Kwabena Amuah and Shimea McDonald, to commit money laundering. Garcia also worked for Amuah to procure fake identity documents, establish shell companies with numerous Secretaries of State, and open bank accounts in the names of other, real people to receive funds that Amuah directed towards the accounts. Once the money was received in those accounts, Amuah would notify Garcia of the payments and directed Garcia to bring him the stolen funds, after Garcia retained his portion. Garcia would then wire or bring money or checks to the co-conspirators who facilitated further transfers or initiated the underlying scheme to defraud the victims. Garcia also helped to procure fake identification cards for other coconspirators to use to open bank accounts for the purpose of laundering other victim funds.
In August 2022, using email, the coconspirators impersonated a nonprofit organization working to reduce poverty, which was working with the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (the “City”) on a housing project. The coconspirators then convinced a City official to wire funds owed to the nonprofit organization, to a bank account at Truist Bank. That account was in the name of Gretson Company LLC, but coconspirator Shimea McDonald had opened that account, in the name of another person, using a fake identity card provided by Garcia. The City wired a total of $3,905,837.05 to the Gretson Company LLC bank account at Truist Bank. At Amuah’s direction and using checks provided by McDonald, Garcia then wrote checks, funded with the money the City had wired, to other bank accounts. Ultimately, Truist Bank and the City were able to recover all the funds that were transmitted.
Amuah was previously sentenced to 86 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. McDonald was previously sentenced to 80 months, followed by three years of supervised release. Both were ordered to pay $4,690,870.81 in restitution.
Under federal law, Garcia must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Louisville Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Louisville, Ky., man, Arthur Powers Jr., 44, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 250 months, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, Powers was found to be in possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others. Specifically, on September 10, 2023, enforcement was informed that Powers was travelling to Laurel County from Louisville to deliver five pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement then stopped Powers’ vehicle and seized 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine, which he later admitted he was bringing into the area to distribute.
Under federal law, Powers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dotson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Lexington Brothers Sentenced for Money Laundering Conspiracy Involving Luxury CarsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Two Lexington men, Hussein Qasim, 34, and Ibrahim Qasim, 29, were sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 57 months and 45 months, respectively, for their roles in a money laundering conspiracy. Hussein and Ibrahim Qasim were also each ordered to pay $3,274,690 in restitution.
According to their plea agreements, the Qasims’ co-conspirators, who lived outside the United States, targeted luxury car dealerships via email and phone calls in which they impersonated real employees of other dealerships. The co-conspirators would deceive the luxury car dealerships into purchasing expensive vehicles that the co-conspirators did not own and would not deliver. At the co-conspirators’ direction, the luxury car dealership victims sent payments to specific bank accounts opened by the Qasims, who then collected the money and transferred it through a sophisticated web of financial transactions, which eventually ended with investments, payments for personal expenditures, and payments to accounts outside the United States, often in crypto-currency, for the benefit of the co-conspirators.
Between June 2022 and December 2023, the Qasims and other co-conspirators were responsible for laundering over $6 million in victim funds, which had been sent from at least seven different luxury car dealerships across the country.
Under federal law, the Qasims must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will both be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Cincinnati Man Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy to Sell Machine GunsRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Isaiah M. Smith, 24, was sentenced on Friday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 72 months in prison, for possession and transfer of a machine gun.
In pleading guilty, Smith admitted to collaborating with Demarco Sturgeon and Denico Hudson to possess and transfer numerous machine gun conversion devices. Smith also admitted to manufacturing the plastic conversion devices in Ohio, and to selling many of them to Sturgeon in Kentucky. Sturgeon then sold the bulk of them to Hudson, who would pay for them with money and drugs, and the two of them distributed the devices to members of two violent gangs in Cincinnati. Members of these gangs were connected to drug trafficking and numerous shootings.
Smith further admitted to distributing over 25 machine gun conversion devices, from 2022 to 2023. Specifically, on April 4, 2023, law enforcement conducted a search of Smith’s residence and seized a machine gun conversion device, as well as a loaded handgun. Smith confirmed that he had manufactured and distributed over 80 machine gun conversion devices and assisted agents in seizing the printers and computers he used to make them.
Sturgeon was previously sentenced to 130 months and five years of supervised release; Hudson was sentenced to 108 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
“Machine gun conversion devices are incredibly dangerous, and an acute threat to the safety of our communities,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Worse yet, they are more prevalent than ever. By themselves, these devices are illegal machine guns; and when used, they are capable of rapid and appalling damage. We simply must do everything we can to combat this alarming trend, prioritize the effort to eliminate these devices, and prosecute those who illegally make, possess, and sell them.”
“Machine gun conversion devices are a significant threat to our communities. Law enforcement in Kentucky and across the United States are encountering them with alarming frequency,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division. “These conversion devices, which can fire hundreds of rounds of ammunition a minute, are illegal and incredibly dangerous, especially in the hands of gang members and drug dealers. ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize these investigations with our local partners to shutdown supply channels and keep these deadly devices off our streets.”
Under federal law, Smith and his co-defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release from prison, Smith will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office three years.
U.S. Attorney Shier; SAC Morrow; Director Scott Hardcorn, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force; and Chief Teresa Theetge, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, and Cincinnati Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Final Two Defendants Sentenced for their Roles in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Bradley Lawson, 42, and a Corbin, Ky., woman, Amy Johnson, 39, were sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 180 months and 68 months, respectively, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in July 2022, Lawson developed relationships with multiple sources of supply of methamphetamine, from whom he regularly obtained methamphetamine for resale. Lawson then worked with his co-defendants, Amy Johnson, Jesse Taylor, and Michael Nakonechny, to obtain and distribute the methamphetamine in Laurel and Whitley Counties. Specifically, in September 2022, law enforcement conducted a search and discovered two pounds of methamphetamine that they intended to distribute. Law enforcement also found Lawson in possession of a loaded firearm. Both Lawson and Johnson had previously been convicted of federal drug felony offenses, and Lawson was still on federal supervised release at the time on the commission of these new offenses. Lawson received an additional, consecutive sentence for his supervised release violation, of twelve months and a day.
Nakonechny was previously sentenced to 163 months and Taylor was previously sentenced to 98 months.
Under federal law, Lawson and Johnson must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release from prison, Lawson will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years, and Johnson will be under supervision for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, KSP, and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Kentucky Man Charged with Federal Hate Crime and Firearm Offenses for Threats Against Palestinian AmericanRead the Press Release
A Kentucky man was arrested today and charged with federal hate crime and firearms offenses for threatening a Palestinian American man with a loaded gun.
According to the indictment that was unsealed this morning, on or about March 28, Melvin P. Litteral III used force or the threat of force to intimidate and interfere with the victim – a Palestinian American man and practicing Muslim identified in the indictment by the initials O.S. – because of O.S.’s race, color, religion and/or national origin, and because O.S. was enjoying the goods, services and facilities of a local restaurant. The indictment also includes a weapons charge, alleging that the defendant brandished a firearm during the offense.
If convicted of the hate crime offense, Litteral faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the firearms charge, Litteral faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison, to run consecutively to any sentence imposed for the hate crime offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Louisville Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Katherine G. DeVar of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Khmari Smith, 21, was sentenced on Tuesday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 32 years, for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offenses.
In May 2023, law enforcement began investigating an individual distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in Lexington and identified the vehicle being used to transport the drugs into the area. On July 10, 2023, law enforcement located the vehicle traveling from Detroit to Kentucky and observed the vehicle following another car and mirroring its movements, which led them to believe the vehicles were connected. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on both vehicles. Khmari Smith, and his brother and co-defendant, Khari Qunarll Smith, 23, were found in one vehicle, with no evidence of drugs. In the other vehicle, Smith’s co-defendant, Brianna Hanspard, 29, of Detroit, was found with 4.6 kilograms of methamphetamine and 199.7 grams of fentanyl. Hanspard admitted to entering into an agreement with Khmari Smith and others to transport drugs from Detroit to Lexington for payment.
Further investigation proved that Khari and Khmari Smith continued their drug distribution, from sources in Detroit. In August 2023, law enforcement searched their leased residences in Lexington. At the first residence they found 354.4 grams of fentanyl and 216.3 grams of methamphetamine; at the second, the found additional methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as a drug processing room. Law enforcement also found 18 firearms at the first residence and 12 firearms at the second residence. Khmari Smith admitted that he received those firearms as payment for the drugs he distributed.
Khari Smith is scheduled to be sentenced at a date yet to be determined by the Court. Hanspard was previously sentenced to 84 months in prison.
Under federal law, Khmari Smith and Hanspard must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, KSP, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Ohio Man Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Hamilton, Ohio, man, Charles Sparks, 60, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 200 months for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, on April 4, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Sparks and recovered approximately 12 ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, and a loaded firearm. In pleading guilty, Sparks admitted to transporting the methamphetamine to sell it and to possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Under federal law, Sparks must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, KSP, and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Pikeville Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Prescribing AmphetaminesRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Pikeville doctor, Dr. Jason Stamper, 52, was sentenced on Monday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 32 months for illegally prescribing amphetamines.
According to his plea agreement, between April 15, 2022, and September 27, 2022, law enforcement made six undercover patient visits to Stamper’s clinic. At each of those visits, Stamper prescribed Ritalin and Adderall to the undercover officer, without a legitimate medical purpose. Stamper performed no medical examinations, did not inquire into the legitimate medical need for the prescriptions, took no action when the undercover officer failed to secure blood work for five visits, increased doses, and switched between the Ritalin and Adderall without explanation.
Under federal law, Stamper must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Boyd County Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm and Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland, man, Christopher Prince, 43, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 205 months for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
In May 2023, law enforcement officers with ATF, DEA, and the Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force, received information regarding the drug distribution activities of Christopher Prince. During the ensuing investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 250 grams of crystal methamphetamine (actual methamphetamine), 3 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.5 grams of fentanyl and 2 firearms. Prince admitted that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity.
Under federal law, Prince must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon Prince’s release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Director Scott Hardcorn, Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF, DEA, and the Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Lexington Couple Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Relief LoansRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Neal Harris, 57, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 37 months in prison, for eight counts of wire fraud, for obtaining Economic Injury Disaster Loans under false pretenses. His co-defendant, Kelly Harris, 64, was sentenced on July 2, 2024, to 46 months in prison, also for eight counts of wire fraud.
In March 2024, following a four-day jury trial, the Harrises were convicted of all the wire fraud charges against them. According to the evidence at trial, from May 5, 2020 through July 25, 2020, the Harrises submitted materially false applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA), to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), for five businesses they claimed were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In total, they claimed to run five businesses that had done a total of $1.4 million in business in 2019. In reality, none of the businesses were operational in 2019. The only business that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby Bailey Family Service Center, had been dissolved in 2019. Despite this, the Harrises sought more than $450,000 in loans to which they were not entitled. They obtained $357,600 in disaster relief funds from the SBA for three of the businesses. A local bank detected the fraud in August 2020 and secured the funds remaining in the business accounts. After the bank returned the fraudulently obtained funds, Neal and Kelly Harris then submitted additional fraudulent documentation to the SBA, attempting to get these funds back. At sentencing, both defendants were found to have obstructed justice by testifying falsely at the trial.
Under federal law, the Harrises must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for two years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Lesley Allison, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Field Division; and Kelly K. Moening, Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Great Lakes Field Division, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the USPIS and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Smith is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Former Rowan County Teacher Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Morehead, Ky., man, Andrew Zaheri, 40, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 22 years in prison, for production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, in the summer of 2022, Zaheri began a sexual relationship, with a minor student at the high school where he was employed as a teacher. The relationship continued through the school year and included Zaheri engaging in sexual acts with the victim during school hours. Zaheri admitted that, during the course of the relationship, he produced sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victim using his cell phone.
Under federal law, Zaheri must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 22 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Lexington Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl Resulting in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, Eeston Thomson, 22, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 240 months in prison, for distribution of acetylfentanyl and fentanyl resulting in an overdose death.
According to his plea agreement, on June 26, 2022, law enforcement responded to reports of an unresponsive victim. When law enforcement arrived, the victim was pronounced dead, and it was suspected that he died from a fentanyl overdose. Law enforcement searched the residence and found piece of a blue pill on the kitchen counter, which was later confirmed to contain acetylfentanyl and fentanyl.
Law then enforcement searched the victim’s phone and found an Instagram conversation between the victim and Thomson from June 25, 2022, discussing the purchase of pills. When Thomson found out about the victim’s death, he admitted to a friend that he had sold the victim the pills, and believed he was responsible for his death.
Under federal law, Thomson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Lexington Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm and Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, David Hager, 27, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 120 months, for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a machine gun, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
In May 2023, agents with ATF, received information that David Hager was distributing fentanyl and firearms. During the investigation, ATF purchased 15 firearms and a machine gun conversion device from Hager. ATF also purchase approximately 10 grams of fentanyl from Hager. After these purchases, a search warrant was executed at Hager’s residence, where agents located three additional firearms (one of which was stolen), multiple high-capacity magazines, suspected explosive devices, and approximately 37 grams of fentanyl. Hager had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Under federal law, Hager must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon Hager’s release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF, with assistance from the Lexington Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Final Defendant Sentenced in Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., man, Darnell Thomas, Jr. 32, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 240 months, for conspiracy to distribute 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, and heroin, and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to his plea agreement, between October and December 2022, Thomas conspired with his co-defendants, Melvin Coffey, 31, and Jaden Bradshaw, 23, to distribute fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, and heroin. Specifically, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase multiple ounces of the controlled substances, on five different occasions in Fayette and Madison Counties. For each of the five occasions, Thomas admitted to either personally conducting the drug sales or directing his co-defendants to do so, on his behalf. As part of his guilty plea, Thomas also acknowledged that he had previously been convicted of trafficking heroin and cocaine in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
Coffey was previously sentenced to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Bradshaw was sentenced to 24 months, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Under federal law, Thomas and his co-defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon Thomas’ release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 8 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Commander Kalan Perdue, Gateway High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and Gateway HIDTA Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Anderson County Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl Resulting in an Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lawrenceburg, Ky., man, Daniel Hudson, 36, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 240 months in prison, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in an overdose death.
According to his plea agreement, on March 24, 2022, Hudson was booked into the Franklin County Region Jail, for state offenses. At the time, Hudson had approximately six grams of a fentanyl mixture concealed upon his person, and he was able to smuggle the drugs into the facility. Ultimately, Hudson then distributed the fentanyl, and had buyers (or individuals on their behalf) send payments, via Cash App, to an account held by his friend.
Specifically, on March 29, 2022, Hudson distributed fentanyl to an inmate who overdosed, but was successfully resuscitated with the administration of Narcan by jail personnel. Thereafter, on March 31, 2022, Hudson distributed fentanyl that was used by another inmate, who was later found deceased in his cell.
Under federal law, Hudson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Chief Dustin Bowman, Frankfort Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Frankfort Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., man, Chris Williams, 29, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 200 months, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, distribution of fentanyl, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In August 2022, detectives with the Kentucky State Police received information that Chris Williams was distributing large quantities of fentanyl. During a month-long investigation, KSP purchased approximately 74 grams of fentanyl from Williams. In September 2022, detectives seized a loaded firearm, approximately 76 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 20 grams of pressed fentanyl analogue pills from Williams. Williams admitted he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
Then, in August 2023, detectives with the Lexington Police received information that Williams was again distributing narcotics. In September 2023, following a second investigation, a search warrant was executed at Williams’ residence. There, detectives located approximately 60 grams of fentanyl and two firearms. Williams again admitted he possessed the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Under federal law, Williams must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by DEA, KSP, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Two Indictments of Healthcare Fraud Related ChargesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV has announced criminal charges against two separate defendants, in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and Medicaid, and to fraudulently prescribe controlled substances. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Justice Department’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. The charges stem from one scheme to cause claims for prescription drugs to be submitted, despite knowing the drugs were never dispensed to pharmacy customers, and another scheme to use the name and DEA registration number of another provider, without that provider’s knowledge, in order to issue prescriptions.
“When government healthcare programs are fraudulently deprived of critical resources and powerful drugs are illegally prescribed, it creates real damage,” said United States Attorney Shier. “It steals taxpayer money, and it enables the devastating cycle of drug abuse in fester in our communities. Simply having a professional license cannot be a shield from the consequences of this type of criminal conduct.”
“It does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug cartel or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company, if you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will bring to justice criminals who defraud Americans, steal from taxpayer-funded programs, and put people in danger for the sake of profits.”
The charges announced today by U.S Attorney Shier are part of a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 147 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that resulted in the submission of over $2.5 billion in alleged false billings. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets, and the government, in connection with the enforcement action, seized over $150 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets.
The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Connecticut, Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Rhode Island, Middle District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Tennessee, Eastern District of Virginia, and Southern District of West Virginia; and the State Attorney Generals’ Offices for California, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and South Dakota are prosecuting the cases in the National Enforcement Action, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website.
The Eastern District of Kentucky worked with the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the DEA; the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch; the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy; and the IRS.
The following individuals have been charged in the Eastern District of Kentucky:
Stephanie Collins, 57, of Corbin, Kentucky, was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare and Medicaid for prescription drugs that were never dispensed by her pharmacy. As alleged, between January 2014 and June 2020, Collins, the owner of Stephanie’s Down Home Pharmacy, knowingly and willfully caused claims for prescription drugs to be submitted to those health care programs despite knowing that the drugs at issue were never dispensed to pharmacy customers, and obtained approximately $730,000 as a result of the scheme. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith.
Don V. Bryson, 69, of Oil Springs, Kentucky, was charged by information with a conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances by using the name and DEA registration number of another physician. As alleged, Bryson was a physician who had surrendered his medical license following a Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure investigation into his prescribing practices. Bryson continued to work as a “medical consultant” at a clinic in Paintsville, Kentucky owned by a co-conspirator, which utilized locum tenens providers to issue controlled substance prescriptions. In September 2021, Bryson agreed with the clinic owner to use the name and DEA registration number of a locum tenens provider no longer affiliated with the clinic, without that provider’s knowledge, in order to issue approximately 79 hydrocodone prescriptions, totaling approximately 6,915 hydrocodone pills. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith.
A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former Kentucky Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Abusing ArresteesRead the Press Release
A former Kentucky sheriff’s deputy was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for violating the constitutional rights of multiple people he arrested during his tenure as a law enforcement officer.
Former Boyle County Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner M. Abbott, 31, was convicted by a federal jury in March of five felonies and one misdemeanor related to using excessive force against four arrestees, performing an illegal search and writing and conspiring to write false police reports to cover up his abuse.
“This defendant habitually and routinely abused his authority and used his badge to shield himself from accountability for years,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence should send a loud message that such abuses by law enforcement will not be tolerated. The Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate the civil and constitutional rights of people in their country.”
“Instead of protecting and serving the community, the defendant was physically abusing people — even bragging about the injuries he caused,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That is not law enforcement; that is brazen criminal conduct. The community deserved better. Fortunately, he now has a criminal sentence that he deserves.”
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that the crimes for which Abbott was convicted were part of a larger pattern of abuse of authority spanning his career. An investigator testified that, during its two-year investigation of numerous allegations against Abbott, the FBI discovered evidence that Abbott frequently used excessive force against suspects. This evidence included text messages recovered from Abbott’s work-issued cell phone in which Abbott bragged, sometimes in graphic and vulgar terms, about causing injuries to people he had arrested. The government also presented cell phone evidence showing that Abbott sometimes took photographs of injuries he had caused and sent the photographs to friends and acquaintances, but never included or submitted them in official police documents. Two additional witnesses testified that they had been physically abused by Abbott while being arrested.
The court also found that Abbott obstructed justice during his trial by testifying falsely in his own defense.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former Kentucky Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Abusing ArresteesRead the Press Release
A former Kentucky sheriff’s deputy was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for violating the constitutional rights of multiple people he arrested during his tenure as a law enforcement officer.
Former Boyle County Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner M. Abbott, 31, was convicted by a federal jury in March of five felonies and one misdemeanor related to using excessive force against four arrestees, performing an illegal search and writing and conspiring to write false police reports to cover up his abuse.
“This defendant habitually and routinely abused his authority and used his badge to shield himself from accountability for years,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence should send a loud message that such abuses by law enforcement will not be tolerated. The Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate the civil and constitutional rights of people in their country.”
“Instead of protecting and serving the community, the defendant was physically abusing people — even bragging about the injuries he caused,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That is not law enforcement; that is brazen criminal conduct. The community deserved better. Fortunately, he now has a criminal sentence that he deserves.”
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that the crimes for which Abbott was convicted were part of a larger pattern of abuse of authority spanning his career. An investigator testified that, during its two-year investigation of numerous allegations against Abbott, the FBI discovered evidence that Abbott frequently used excessive force against suspects. This evidence included text messages recovered from Abbott’s work-issued cell phone in which Abbott bragged, sometimes in graphic and vulgar terms, about causing injuries to people he had arrested. The government also presented cell phone evidence showing that Abbott sometimes took photographs of injuries he had caused and sent the photographs to friends and acquaintances, but never included or submitted them in official police documents. Two additional witnesses testified that they had been physically abused by Abbott while being arrested.
The court also found that Abbott obstructed justice during his trial by testifying falsely in his own defense.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Taylor Drug Store Agrees to Pay Civil Penalty to Resolve Alleged Recordkeeping Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Taylor Drug Store, a pharmacy located in Pineville, Kentucky, agreed to pay $94,432.50 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it failed to comply with recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”).
Under the CSA, pharmacies authorized to possess controlled substances are required to maintain complete and accurate records of its inventory, including records of when the controlled substances are sold, distributed to patients, or disposed. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) has the authority to inspect the records of these pharmacies and verify that their controlled substance records are complete and accurate in compliance with the CSA.
In this case, the Government alleged that Taylor Drug Store violated the CSA by failing to maintain complete and accurate records of its controlled substance inventories from August 2019 to August 2021. In an audit performed by the DEA, Taylor Drug Store’s records did not account for the dispensation or disposal of over 4,500 dosage units of highly addictive substances, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, buprenorphine, and alprazolam.
The recordkeeping provisions of the CSA are designed to protect the public from the dangers posed by highly addictive or dangerous controlled substances, such as opioids, being diverted into the illicit market. The CSA creates a closed system that tracks controlled substances from manufacture through distributor, to the ultimate end-user, allowing the DEA to monitor the flow of controlled substances in the United States at every juncture. When a pharmacy fails to maintain complete and accurate records, the system is at risk for illegal diversion into the community.
“These procedures are critical to public safety and pharmacies simply must keep track of these controlled substances,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Especially in areas like ours, that are acutely affected by severe drug abuse, these recordkeeping requirements play an essential role in ensuring that controlled substances maintained by pharmacies are not ultimately diverted for illegitimate purposes.”
“As DEA registrants dispensing controlled substances, pharmacies have an obligation to maintain accurate recordkeeping in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act, and Taylor Drug Store fell short of their obligation,” said Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “A substantial fine, as well as the implementation of corrective measures, should ensure that Taylor Drug Store meets the CSA’s mandatory recordkeeping requirements going forward.”
The DEA and Taylor Drug Store also entered into a Memorandum of Agreement as part of the settlement. Taylor Drug Store agreed to submit compliance reports to DEA and to provide employee training on the identification and reporting of suspected drug abuse or diversion.
The settlement considered the penalties associated with the alleged violations, as well as Taylor Drug Store’s financial ability-to-pay.
The Federal Government is committed to combating the prescription opioid crisis by enforcing the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act that prevent the illegal diversion of opioids. Anyone with concerns about prescription drug diversion can report them to the DEA, by submitting a tip at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s London Resident Office Diversion Group. Assistant United States Attorney Katie Sheridan represented the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., man, Daniel Matthews, 36, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 228 months, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 400 grams of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, on August 1, 2023, Matthews intended to make a delivery of controlled substances to another dealer that he regularly supplied; but before the delivery could be made, law enforcement stopped his vehicle and seized $3,956 in cash, a large quantity of fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 177 grams), and a loaded pistol, which were in the back pocket of his seat. Thereafter, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Matthews’s residence, where they located more than 15,000 fentanyl pills (approximately 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl) more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Under federal law, Matthews must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Clay County Men Sentenced for KidnappingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – Two Manchester, Ky., men, Kenneth Ray Grubb, 33, and Landon Wagers, 19, were sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 112 months and 84 months in prison, respectively, for kidnapping.
According to their plea agreements, a drug dealer offered to pay Grubb to bring an individual to them. To accomplish this kidnapping, Grubb worked with Wagers. Wagers called the victim to arrange a meeting at his residence, under the pretense that Wagers had a firearm that the victim might be interested in purchasing. When the victim arrived at the residence, Grubb and Wagers forced the victim into a vehicle and started driving toward the dealer’s residence. Before reaching the residence, Grubb stopped the vehicle and, along with Wagers, struck the victim multiple times and forced him into the trunk. During this, Grubb used metal knuckles to assault the victim, lacerating his head. The drug dealer provided Grubb and Wagers with methamphetamine as payment for delivering the victim.
Under federal law, Grubb and Wagers must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Eastern District of Kentucky Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Carlton S. Shier, IV, U.S. Attorney for the District of Eastern District of Kentucky joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today, in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been observed to promote awareness and increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse, as well as the resources available to those at risk.
Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Shier emphasized the importance of awareness and education.
“Elder abuse is particularly destructive, as it targets especially vulnerable victims and relies on some manner of trust, only to be accompanied by acute deception,” said U.S. Attorney Shier. And convincingly combatting it requires more than just effective law enforcement; it requires the education and vigilance of the public, who is often in the superior position to detect and prevent it. We must all work together to protect our vulnerable older Americans from this predatory conduct; they really deserve nothing less.”
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.
The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies, working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in a perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.
To learn more about the Department’s elder justice efforts, please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
The Eastern District of Kentucky continues to work with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. Recent examples of these prosecutions from the Eastern District of Kentucky include:
- U.S. v. Gbadegsein et al.: This case involved the extradition and conviction of Adedunmola Gbadegesin, 34, from Nigeria. He was charged, along with Olatunbosun Oluwakayode Ajayi, 40, of Atlanta; Otunuya Ineh Eqwem Livingstone, 46, of Houston; and Ismaila Fafunmi, 36, of Indianapolis, with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Gbadegesin and his co-conspirators collaborated to create fake online dating profiles that were posted to online dating websites. As part of the conspiracy, they engaged in online chats, emails, and telephone calls with unwitting victims, who were in the United States, including one in Lexington. The conspiracy employed others, in the United States, to receive money from the intended victims and transport that money back to Nigeria, through various means.
- U.S. v. Glass: Donna Sue Glass, of Greenup, Ky., was the owner of Glass Family Care Home. She stole funds from three of her facility’s residents, while acting as their guardian and caregiver. She used one resident’s bank account to purchase items for her personal benefit, including expenses for vacations, her daughter’s beauty pageant competitions, monthly tanning salon memberships, and veterinary care for her pets. She also increased the rent of another resident for whom she served as guardian – to an amount well more than the resident could afford – so that the resident would owe her a debt. She then took funds directly from the resident’s savings account to satisfy this “debt.” When the resident moved to another facility, Glass continued to accept and spend the resident’s retirement benefits, and failed to pay her new facility, under the pretense that she was owed money. Glass was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $87,700 in restitution.
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
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Former Kentucky State Prison Sergeant Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A former Kentucky corrections sergeant, Eric L. Nantell, 48, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for one count of deprivation of civil rights for his failure to intervene to stop the assault of an inmate, two counts of obstruction of justice for misleading state investigators and one count of making false statements to a special agent of the FBI. Nantell was convicted after a four-day trial. Six other officers previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the assault and cover-up, and three of those officers testified for the government at trial.
“As the vicious beating of a handcuffed, leg-shackled inmate unfolded, this defendant failed to intervene to stop the assault and then abused his power by obstructing the investigation into the crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This cover-up scheme failed. All seven officers who participated in the brutal assault of the inmate or the coordinated cover-up that followed have been brought to justice. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officials who engage in misconduct at every level, including those who carry out unlawful assaults, those who fail to intervene to stop them and those who try to cover up the violations.”
“Instead of protecting someone in his custody and care or supervising others under his command, he turned a blind eye to a brutal beating and then tried to cover it up,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That’s not law enforcement; that’s disgraceful criminal conduct. Fortunately, he now faces the consequences of his utter betrayal of responsibility and callous attempts to undermine genuine law enforcement.”
“In this case, one inmate was betrayed by no less than seven corrections officers whose basic duty was to protect the civil rights of all the inmates under their supervision,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “With today’s sentencing, all of the officers who took part in the assault, and those who attempted to cover-up the truth, have now been held accountable. Everyone deserves protection under the law, and the FBI is proud to work with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky to hold any officer criminally responsible for violating the civil rights of a person in his or her custody.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Nantell, who at that time was a sergeant at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC), was supervising a routine prisoner escort procedure when three officers, two of whom were members of the prison’s internal affairs department, assaulted a non-violent inmate who was lying face-down, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles and isolated in a prison shower cell. Nantell was standing at the door of the shower when the assault began, and he watched the officers repeatedly punch and kick the inmate in the head and back. After silently observing the beating for more than 20 seconds, Nantell walked away while the officers continued to beat the inmate.
Within hours of the inmate reporting the abuse, supervisors of EKCC and state detectives of the Kentucky State Police had opened an investigation. Nantell joined with other officers in a cover-up scheme to hide the truth. As part of that cover-up, he lied to officers of both agencies as well as a special agent of the FBI.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
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Ohio Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – A Ironton, Ohio man, Freddie Knipp, Jr., 53, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 138 months in prison, for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of sale of a firearm to a convicted felon.
In August 2019, law enforcement officers with KSP and ATF received information regarding drug trafficking and illegal firearms activity being conducted by Freddie Knipp, Jr. During the investigation, agents purchased approximately 65 grams of methamphetamine from Knipp. Additionally, Knipp purchased and provided a firearm to a prohbited person. At sentencing, the Court found that, during a 10-month period from 2018 to 2020, Knipp distributed at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Boyd and Carter counties.
Under federal law, Knipp must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP), jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Former Kentucky State Prison Sergeant Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A former Kentucky corrections sergeant, Eric L. Nantell, 48, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for one count of deprivation of civil rights for his failure to intervene to stop the assault of an inmate, two counts of obstruction of justice for misleading state investigators and one count of making false statements to a special agent of the FBI. Nantell was convicted after a four-day trial. Six other officers previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the assault and cover-up, and three of those officers testified for the government at trial.
“As the vicious beating of a handcuffed, leg-shackled inmate unfolded, this defendant failed to intervene to stop the assault and then abused his power by obstructing the investigation into the crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This cover-up scheme failed. All seven officers who participated in the brutal assault of the inmate or the coordinated cover-up that followed have been brought to justice. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officials who engage in misconduct at every level, including those who carry out unlawful assaults, those who fail to intervene to stop them and those who try to cover up the violations.”
“Instead of protecting someone in his custody and care or supervising others under his command, he turned a blind eye to a brutal beating and then tried to cover it up,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That’s not law enforcement; that’s disgraceful criminal conduct. Fortunately, he now faces the consequences of his utter betrayal of responsibility and callous attempts to undermine genuine law enforcement.”
“In this case, one inmate was betrayed by no less than seven corrections officers whose basic duty was to protect the civil rights of all the inmates under their supervision,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “With today’s sentencing, all of the officers who took part in the assault, and those who attempted to cover-up the truth, have now been held accountable. Everyone deserves protection under the law, and the FBI is proud to work with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky to hold any officer criminally responsible for violating the civil rights of a person in his or her custody.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Nantell, who at that time was a sergeant at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC), was supervising a routine prisoner escort procedure when three officers, two of whom were members of the prison’s internal affairs department, assaulted a non-violent inmate who was lying face-down, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles and isolated in a prison shower cell. Nantell was standing at the door of the shower when the assault began, and he watched the officers repeatedly punch and kick the inmate in the head and back. After silently observing the beating for more than 20 seconds, Nantell walked away while the officers continued to beat the inmate.
Within hours of the inmate reporting the abuse, supervisors of EKCC and state detectives of the Kentucky State Police had opened an investigation. Nantell joined with other officers in a cover-up scheme to hide the truth. As part of that cover-up, he lied to officers of both agencies as well as a special agent of the FBI.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Jury Convicts Man of Trafficking in Fentanyl and CarfentanilRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Eugene Laron Fishback, aka “Geno,” 32, was convicted Thursday, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington, of five counts of drug trafficking.
Following a four-day trial and approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Fishback guilty of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of carfentanil. Fishback was also convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to testimony at trial, between July 1, 2022 and December 7, 2023, Fishback conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil. On October 11, 2023, Fishback and his girlfriend, Tedi Hawkins, were evicted from their Lexington apartment. During a court ordered eviction, Fayette County Constables and members of the Lexington Police Department found plastic bags in the apartment, which contained over 7,000 fentanyl tablets, and four semi-automatic pistols, ammunition, and large capacity clips. Fishback and Hawkins later relocated to another apartment complex and came under DEA and Lexington Police Department investigation.
A federal search warrant was executed on the new residence, in December 2023. Execution of that warrant resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 additional fentanyl tablets and a quantity of carfentanil. Fishback was later arrested from his vehicle, which contained another 1,000 fentanyl tablets and more than 10 grams of carfentanil.
After Hawkins had entered a guilty plea, Fishback attempted to convince her to withdraw that guilty plea, during a recorded jail call.
At the time of his indictment on these federal charges, Fishback had four pending state felony indictments in Fayette County. Additionally, Fishback has a number of prior felony convictions.
“Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous drug, which is involved in approximately 80% of all overdose deaths in Kentucky,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “And as awful as that is, carfentanil is far, far worse. Carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl; this powerful opioid is actually designed for large mammals like elephants. It is no overstatement to say that removing these dangerous drugs from our streets will save lives. The dedicated work of our law enforcement partners in this case has unquestionably done that.”
United States Attorney Shier; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the jury’s verdict.
The investigation was conducted by DEA and Lexington Police Department, with assistance from the Fayette County Constable’s Office Third District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger West and Brittany Baker are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Fishback is scheduled to appear for sentencing on September 20, 2024. He faces up to life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
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Campbell County Man Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine and CocaineRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Newport, Ky., man, Tyjuan Eugene Crossty, 41, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 188 months, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
According to his plea agreement, on March 24, 2023, Crossty was traffic stopped by law enforcement in Covington, where law enforcement smelled marijuana, located a small amount of marijuana, and uncovered a loaded handgun in the glove compartment. Law enforcement utilized DNA evidence collected from the firearm located in the glove department and it showed to be a match with Crossty’s DNA. After obtaining a search warrant for Crossty’s Covington residence, on June 9, 2023, law searched his residence and discovered 32.7 grams of crack cocaine, 3.898 grams of actual methamphetamine, and items that were consistent with manufacturing crack cocaine and with distributing both crack and crystal methamphetamine.
Crossty admitted to law enforcement that he distributed large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine, and further admitted that he was distributing pressed fentanyl pills, in amounts of 2500-3500 pills at a time, as a middleman on multiple occasions.
Crossty was previously convicted of aggravated robbery, in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 2000.
Under federal law, Crossty must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon release from prison, Crossty will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Director Scott Hardcorn; Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, and the Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Campbell County Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Newport, Ky., man, Derrick Buchanan, 31, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 87 months, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to his plea agreement, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of marijuana from Buchanan at his residence in Newport, and the informant reported that Buchanan had a gun openly displayed during the drug transaction. Thereafter, law enforcement searched Buchanan’s residence, finding 2.66 kilograms of marijuana, $2,010 in cash, and a loaded handgun, which matched the description of the informant. Buchanan admitted that one of the reasons he possessed the firearm was to protect himself, his drugs, and his proceeds from robbery.
Buchanan was sentenced had previously been convicted of trafficking in marijuana in Campbell County Circuit Court in 2021, and he was aware that conviction and that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Under federal law, Buchanan must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; and Director Scott Hardcorn, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by DEA and Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Campbell County Inmate Sentenced for Trafficking in Fentanyl Resulting in Two OverdosesRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – An inmate at the Campbell County Detention Center, Jonathan Bernard Stanley, Jr., 39, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 264 months, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious physical injury.
Stanley had recently been convicted and sentenced to a term of 51 months in federal prison, for conspiring to distribute heroin, by the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky in 2018. He was ultimately released from custody in July 2022, and began an eight-year period of supervised release.
According to court documents, on November 8, 2022, Stanley was arrested for a violation of his supervised release and was lodged at the Campbell County Detention Center. Thereafter, on November 15, 2022, Campbell County Detention Center staff were notified of an issue inside of one of the cells. Specifically, one of the inmates was unconscious and not breathing, and the other was also exhibiting signs of a suspected drug overdose. EMTs administered naloxone to both inmates, retrieved the remainder of the substance, and transported both inmates to the hospital. Both inmates eventually recovered.
The second inmate told law enforcement that they both consumed the same substance, which was supplied to them by Stanley in exchange for money to be deposited into his jail account. Hospital records and testing of the substance confirmed that the two inmates each overdosed from fentanyl. Jail surveillance video and other inmate interviews also confirmed that Stanley had distributed the substance that caused the two overdoses.
Under federal law, Stanley must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Daley, Campbell County Jailer; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the Campbell County Detention Center and DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Madison County Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing and Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, Aaron Shanks, 49, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 60 months in prison, for two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of an unregistered firearm.
According to his plea agreement, between December 20, 2022 and January 17, 2023, law enforcement used a confidential informant to make several controlled purchases of firearms from Shanks. During one transaction, on December 21, 2022, Shanks sold a 9mm pistol and a silencer, which did not have any manufacturer’s marks or identification. Shanks admitted that he knew it was a firearm silencer, that it was in operating condition, and that it was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
At the time of these transactions, Shanks was prohibited from possessing firearms due to several prior felony convictions, including one prior offense for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm..
Under federal law, Shanks must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF, with assistance from the Madison County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Garrard County Man Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Lancaster, Ky., man, Harley Jones, 30, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 115 months in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, between February 2022 and August 2022, Jones conspired with his co-conspirator, Angela Nichole Brown, to obtain methamphetamine from various sources of supply and sell the methamphetamine to other users and dealers. Jones and Brown worked together to obtain and distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
In April 2022, law enforcement used a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of 56 grams of methamphetamine from Jones and Brown. Following the controlled purchase, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on their vehicle and found 60 grams of methamphetamine and two pistols, one of which was loaded.
For her role, Brown was previously sentenced to 96 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.
Under federal law, Jones and Brown must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release from prison, Jones will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Lancaster Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lancaster, Ky., man, Brett M. Martin, 33, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 180 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, on October 12, 2022, law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Martin’s residence, locating six firearms and 93.53 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, officers located $36,685.99 in cash at Martin’s grandmother’s residence. Martin admitted to drug trafficking and to possessing the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
Under federal law, Martin must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); Sheriff Willie Skeens, Garrard County Sheriff’s Office; and Sheriff Shawn Hines, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, ATF, KSP, Garrard County Sheriff’s Office, and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Danville Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl Resulting in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Danville, Ky., man, Akili O. Simpson, 23, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 26 years in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death.
According to his plea agreement, from March 2022 until July 2023, Simpson conspired with others to distribute quantities of fentanyl in Danville. Simpson also admitted the quantity of the drugs involved in the conspiracy was at least 40 grams of fentanyl. Following a distribution of drugs by Simpson, on November 3, 2022, a victim in Danville overdosed and died, due to the ingestion of fentanyl. The fentanyl distributed by Simpson was in a counterfeit pill, which was marked to resemble an oxycodone pill. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered Instagram messages on the victim’s phone that showed Simpson was the source of the fentanyl that caused the overdose death.
After Simpson’s federal indictment, multiple search warrants were executed and law enforcement located two firearms, ammunition, marijuana, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a drug ledger, and a money counting machine. Simpson admitted to law enforcement agents that he obtained approximately 300 to 500 of the counterfeit pills per month for distribution in Danville. Simpson further admitted that he knew that the pills contained fentanyl.
“This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of illicit fentanyl, its prevalence in our communities, and the devious methods of those selling it,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “These drugs are extremely dangerous and there is little way to know for certain what a drug dealer may be selling. Dealers often distribute fentanyl in the form of counterfeit pills; but while they may look like legitimate pharmaceuticals, the pills contain fentanyl – about 100 times stronger than oxycodone. Any disruption of this illicit fentanyl trade will surely spare others from tragic results, and this prosecution would not have been possible without the outstanding work of the Danville Police and the DEA. Their efforts will energize the committed pursuit of those placing so many people in grave danger.”
“Illicit Fentanyl is the greatest drug threat facing America today, and people like Mr. Simpson, who sow misery and death in our communities, should expect to meet the full weight of the justice system for their actions,” said Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division.
Under federal law, Simpson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
United States Attorney Shier; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Chief Tony Gray, Danville Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Danville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Mexican National, illegally residing in London, Rafael Martinez, 41, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 77 months in prison, for illegal reentry to the United States following a conviction for an aggravated felony.
According to his plea agreement, Martinez was ordered removed to Mexico from the United States, on August 30, 2004, following his conviction and service of a sentence for child molestation from Grant County, Indiana. At the time of his conviction, Martinez was unlawfully present in the United States. On September 14, 2018, Martinez was arrested in Laurel County, Kentucky, on new state charges, and he was identified as a previously removed alien who had made no attempt to apply for re-admission to the United States. Martinez was ultimately convicted on these Kentucky charges and his federal sentence was ordered to run consecutively to this prior Kentucky sentence.
Under federal law, Martinez must serve 85 percent of his federal prison sentence.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and LaDeon Francis, Director, Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ICE-ERO) Chicago Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ICE-ERO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Parman prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Malachi Evans, 22, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 180 months in prison, following his convictions for two counts of distribution of 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, two counts of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl analogue, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, in the fall of 2021, law enforcement received information that Evans was selling large quantities of heroin and fentanyl. On three occasions in October 2021, law enforcement arranged controlled purchases with a confidential source, to purchase methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl from Evans. During these three transactions, Evans provided a total of 141 grams of a fentanyl analogue and approximately two ounces of methamphetamine. During a planned fourth transaction, Evans was arrested by law enforcement. A search of Evans’s vehicle then uncovered marijuana, $2,400 in cash, 125.3 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 26.65 grams of methamphetamine, and a handgun.
Evans admitted to possessing the drugs with the intent to distribute them and that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Under federal law, Evans must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Commander Kalan Perdue, Gateway High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force; Chief James Hall, Winchester Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Gateway AHITDA Task Force, and Winchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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