Eastern District of Kentucky

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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.

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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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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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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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. 

—END—

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.

-END-

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.

— END —

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.

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

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.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The former Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bath, Rowan, Menifee, and Montgomery Counties, Ronnie Goldy, 51, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves.  Goldy was sentenced to 41 months, after previously being convicted of honest services wire fraud, use of an interstate facility with the intent to carry on unlawful activity, and bribery concerning a program that receives federal funds. 

According to evidence presented, Goldy maintained a personal relationship with a woman that was sexual in nature, and included encounters and solicitations and acceptance of sexually explicit images and videos of the woman.  On multiple occasions during the scheme, Goldy used his position as the Commonwealth’s Attorney to perform official actions, or to exert pressure and influence on other public officials to perform official actions, benefiting the woman.  Goldy knew these sexually explicit images and periodic sexual encounters were provided in exchange for his willingness to perform, or pressure others to perform, official actions benefitting the woman with whom he had the relationship.

In February, Goldy was convicted by a federal jury of all 14 counts in the indictment. 

“Instead of doing the job he was elected to do, Mr. Goldy chose to abuse his authority and to pressure other officials to advance his corrupt personal interests,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “When those entrusted with enforcing the law blatantly abuse their authority, it demands accountability.  This was a disgraceful betrayal of the public trust and it undermined public safety and law enforcement.  Through the hard work of committed law enforcement, he now faces that accountability.”

“Goldy’s sentencing should serve as a warning to corrupt officials throughout the Commonwealth that the FBI will not standby when allegations of abuse of power come to our attention,” said Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office. “We will rigorously investigate such claims and follow the facts wherever they lead, ultimately bringing those that violate federal law to justice.”

United States Attorney Shier and Special Agent in Charge Stansbury jointly announced the sentencing.

The case was investigated by the FBI.

The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Boone. 

– END –

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Detroit man residing in Richmond, Ky., Jarrett Howard, 56, was convicted Wednesday, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington.  Following a three-day trial and 45 minutes of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to testimony at trial, in November 2021, law enforcement received information from a confidential informant that Howard was responsible for distributing fentanyl in Madison County.  ­Law enforcement conducted a search of Howard’s residence and found 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.

Howard was indicted in June 2023.       

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; 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); and Chief Rodney Richardson, Richmond Police Department, jointly announced the jury’s verdict.

The investigation was conducted by DEA, ATF, KSP and Richmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. 

Howard will appear for sentencing on August 28.  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.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky, woman, Stacey R. Smith, 42, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 175 months in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine and 400 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl.

According to her plea agreement, beginning in January 2021 to March 2022, Smith conspired with others to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine and 400 grams of fentanyl. Specifically, from a source of supply in the Lexington area, Smith obtained pound quantities of methamphetamine and ounce quantities of what she believed to be heroin, which laboratory testing confirmed was fentanyl.  Smith then sold the drugs to several others, including her co-defendant, Shane Brock, 62, of London.  These other drug dealers would then distribute the drugs to more drug dealers and end users.

For his role in the conspiracy, Brock was previously sentenced to 97 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Under federal law, Smith must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she 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 Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dotson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. – A Bronston, Ky., man, France Allen Helton, 42, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 250 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to his plea agreement, on March 29, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Helton and seized 55.9 grams of a methamphetamine mixture packaged in two separate baggies, along with $2,529 in cash.  Helton admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to others.  Helton has a prior conviction for trafficking in methamphetamine, from the Pulaski Circuit Court in 2019.         

Under federal law, Helton 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; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office, and Sheriff Bobby Jones, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. –  A London man, Mark Edward Holbook, 72, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 12 months and one day in prison, along with two months of home detention, for conspiracy to rig natural gas meters allowing him to steal thousands of dollars from two Kentucky gas companies.

According to his plea agreement, Mark Holbrook and his son, Marshall Holbrook, worked in the business of sourcing natural gas throughout the past 20 years, drilling wells and acquiring gas rights.  The Holbrooks often used Delta Gas or Somerset Gas Services (SGS) to transport their gas or for direct sales.  In 2016, after the market price of natural gas had fallen substantially, the Holbrooks compensated by manipulating meters that SGS and Delta used on their pipelines to measure how much natural gas the Holbrooks were providing.  This scheme allowed the Holbrooks to boost their profit substantially, while financially harming both SGS and Delta.

Mark Holbrook admitted that the financial loss due to this conspiracy was greater than $250,000 and the Court entered a forfeiture order against him, in the amount of $332,952.  The Court also ordered Mark Holbrook to pay restitution of $1,207,016 to SGS, and $172,964 to Delta.

Earlier this month, Judge Boom sentenced Marshall Holbrook for his role in the same conspiracy.  Marshall Holbrook was sentenced to four months imprisonment and six months of home detention, followed by 18 months of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay Delta $239,642 in restitution.

Upon his release from prison, Mark Holbrook will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office two and a half years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Moynahan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

— END —

COVINGTON, Ky. –  Two Covington men, Cylis Rowe, 23, and Clifton Barnett, 25, have been sentenced, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 124 months and 70 months in prison respectively, for conspiring to distribute firearms to others who could not legally possess them.  Rowe’s sentencing also included one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

According to his court documents, in 2022, law enforcement began investigating individuals regularly selling and possessing firearms and machinegun conversion devices, known colloquially as Glock switches, to individuals engaged in drug trafficking and other criminal offenses.  The investigation showed that Rowe and Barnett conspired with Demarco Sturgeon, 23, and others, to distribute the firearms illegally.  Sturgeon admitted he was aware of the conspiracy’s straw purchases and distributed over 100 firearms between 2020 and 2022.

Evidence showed that Rowe and Barnett purchased numerous firearms, and Sturgeon sold the guns directly, and through Facebook Messenger.  Law enforcement searched all three defendants’ residences; at Rowe’s and Sturgeon’s residences, they found firearms and marijuana.  Both Rowe and Sturgeon admitted to extensive firearms trafficking and regularly distributed marijuana, while in possession of firearms, and that they possessed the firearms at their residences to protect them against the dangers associated with drug trafficking.

Sturgeon was previously sentenced, in March 2024, to 130 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

Under federal law, Rowe and Barnett must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences.  Upon their release from prison, Rowe will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years, and Barnett will be under supervision 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 sentences.

The investigation was conducted by ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

— END—

COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Dominic Jackson, 31, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 240 months in prison, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

According to his plea agreement, on November 3, 2021, law enforcement and medical workers responded to a call for an unresponsive person in Boone County.  Upon arrival, responders found the deceased victim with symptoms consistent with an opioid overdose.  Officers reviewed the victim’s phone, and it contained communications from Jackson indicating that he had sold drugs to the victim earlier that same day.

Law enforcement then used the victim’s phone to text Jackson and arranged to purchase another quarter ounce of the same substance previously sold to the victim.  They advised Jackson where to put the drugs and where the money was located.  Jackson showed up to the residence, took the money, and left 6.667 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and para-flurorofentanyl.  Jackson admitted to distributing a substance containing fentanyl and para-flurorofentanyl to the victim, who died as a result of ingesting it.

Under federal law, Jackson 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.  Jackson was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $7,243 to the family of the victim for burial expenses.

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 the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

— END —

COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Joshua Robert Flick, 35, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 15 years in prison, for distribution of child pornography.

According to his plea agreement, on December 1, 2022, Flick communicated with a covert law enforcement employee, via the Kik application on his iPhone, and indicated that he was sexually interested in minors.  On two additional occasions, on December 9, 2022, and December 11, 2022, Flick communicated with the covert employee and sent multiple visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Flick admitted that he knowingly distributed the images, and he knew those images depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Flick was arrested on an outstanding warrant on January 11, 2023, and his phone was searched.  The search revealed over 70 images and approximately 90 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Under federal law, Flick 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 15 years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Spievack 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.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Versailles, Ky., man, Anthony Travon Garrett, 31, was sentenced on Wednesday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 240 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to his plea agreement, on March 30, 2022, law enforcement arranged a controlled purchase of approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and one ounce of fentanyl, to be delivered by Garrett.  He was approached by law enforcement and was found in possession of the drugs and also found in possession of a loaded firearm, under the driver’s seat of his vehicle.  Three additional firearms, pressed fentanyl pills, a fentanyl press, digital scales, and additional drug trafficking paraphernalia were then discovered at a residence where Garrett resided.   

Under federal law, Garrett 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, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, KSP, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. — In honor of National Police Week, Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement.  National Police Week is observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.

“Committing to serve the community is just the first of many sacrifices that members of law enforcement make when they enter into public service,” said U.S. Attorney Shier.  “The work that follows is demanding, persistent, and hazardous.  But this work is essential to making our communities safer.  It is patrolling our streets, responding to calls for help, and assisting others despite those dangers.  National Police Week reminds us to collectively reflect on the sacrifices of members of law enforcement and their families, and provides an opportunity to show our sincere appreciation for their essential service to us all.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls every year on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

This year, in Washington, D.C., the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and were read during a Candlelight Vigil.  To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.

To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org.

– END –

LONDON, Ky.— The former Commonwealth’s Attorney, for the 33rd Judicial Circuit of Kentucky, Scott Blair, 52, of Hazard, Ky., pleaded guilty on Friday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hanly A. Ingram, to committing honest services wire fraud.

According to his guilty plea agreement, between April 2020 and March 2024, Blair knowingly and intentionally devised a scheme to fraudulently deprive the citizens of Perry County of their right to his honest services, as the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, through bribery.  On multiple occasions, Blair agreed to take official actions, in his position as the Commonwealth’s Attorney – including making recommendations on probation, drug court, and probation violations or sanctions for defendants he was prosecuting – in exchange for methamphetamine and sexual favors.

“Whenever prosecutors reject their official duties for the public, and instead abuse their positions for personal benefit, that does continuing damage to us all,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “It not only victimizes individuals, but it demeans the true work of law enforcement, undermines fairness and public safety, and diminishes faith in the criminal justice system.  This conviction is an important step toward restoring the necessary integrity and faith in the system and preventing this grave misconduct.”

“Blair’s conduct undermines the confidence the public deserves to have in their government officials,” said Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Division.  “The public relies on its Commonwealth’s Attorneys to maintain and validate its faith in our criminal justice system.  As he admitted today, Blair betrayed that trust by engaging in a scheme that spanned years and corrupted the fair administration of justice for personal gain.  The FBI will pursue corrupt actors without fear or favor, and the people of Perry County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky deserve nothing less.”

“All Kentuckians – including the people of Perry County – deserve prosecutors with integrity and public servants they can trust.  Scott Blair violated that trust and broke the law,” said Attorney General Russell Coleman.  “This conviction will help restore public safety in this community, and it is an example of the zealous collaboration between our Office and our partners that is key to protecting Kentucky families.”

“I commend the outstanding work conducted by our detectives along with our federal partners, into this investigation” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr.  “We hope this will bring closure to the citizens of Perry County and renew their trust in the justice system.”

United States Attorney Shier; Special Agent in Charge Stansbury; Kentucky Attorney General Coleman; and Commissioner Burnett, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the KSP.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the United States.

The Court will enter a separate order setting a date for sentencing.  Blair faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.  However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.

— END —

A Kentucky dentist was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for his unlawful prescribing of opioids, including morphine that caused the death of one of his patients.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Jay M. Sadrinia, 61, of Villa Hills, owned and operated dental clinics in Crescent Springs, Kentucky. Sadrinia prescribed powerful opioids to his patients for routine dental procedures despite clear signs, including notes within Sadrinia’s own patient charts, that these patients suffered from substance abuse disorder. Sadrinia’s unlawful prescribing of morphine to one patient led to her death. Sadrinia charged the patient $37,000 for dental procedures and prescribed the patient medically unnecessary quantities of narcotics, including morphine. Several days later, the patient fatally overdosed on the morphine.

A federal jury convicted Sadrinia in June 2023 of unlawful distribution of controlled substances and unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. 

The DEA and FBI investigated the case.

Assistant Chief Katherine Payerle and Trial Attorney Thomas Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

LONDON, Ky. — An Indian national, most recently living in the Chicago area, Satishkumar Rameshchandra Patel, 39, has been sentenced to 32 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Wier, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $631,336.40.

According to his plea agreement, Patel’s co-conspirators reached out to victims across the United States to defraud them out of significant sums of money.  Often, Patel’s co-conspirators located in India reached out to victims by telephone and represented themselves to be government officials.  The co-conspirators would convince the victims they were in some sort of legal or financial trouble, and requested the victims send payment to relieve the trouble or protect the victims from losing their savings.  The victims, most of whom were in their late 60s or 70s, mailed cash shipments to fake names, at addresses in the Chicago area, in Central Kentucky, and elsewhere, where Patel and others would retrieve those packages.  Victims lost anywhere from $9,000 to $375,000 through the scheme.

Other fraud schemes emanating out of the India-based call center for which Patel was employed included tech support scams, where victims were defrauded into believing their computer security company had issued them refunds for products in error.  The victims were directed to the withdraw those excess refunds in cash and mail the cash to certain addresses located in the Chicago area and elsewhere in the United States, where Patel and others would retrieve those packages.  The fake refunds were anywhere from $9,000 to $20,000.

In total, court records show that 9 victims were associated to Patel’s actions, resulting in a restitution amount of $631,336.40.

Under federal law, Patel must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, Patel will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Patel was charged alongside Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel.  Anyone with additional information about this investigation and prosecution is urged to contact law enforcement, at the following: https://www.tigta.gov/hotline?type=IRSScamsandFraud.          

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigation, Nashville Field Office; Heather Mill, Acting Inspector General, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Gail Ennis, Inspector General, Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, jointly announce the sentence.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI, HSI, TIGTA, and SSA-OIG.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to identify and prosecute those persons who facilitate elder financial exploitation.  The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Mission – being carried out through the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force – is to seek justice for victims of elder financial exploitation.  Anyone who knows someone who may be a victim of an elder financial exploitation, is encouraged to contact law enforcement.

– END –

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Three Tennessee physicians were sentenced on Wednesday and Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, following their convictions for conspiracy to illicitly prescribe controlled substances and related fraud and money laundering offenses.  Evann Herrell was sentenced to 120 months in prison, Mark Grenkoski to 108 months, and Stephen Cirelli to 48 months.

Herrell, Grenkoski, and Cirelli worked at EHC Medical clinics, located in Harriman and Jacksboro, Tenn., that purported to offer treatment for opioid use disorder.  At trial, the United States presented evidence that the defendants participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to provide prescriptions for high doses and dangerous combinations of Suboxone and benzodiazepine-class drugs, to cash-paying customers.  These drugs were then being sold, traded, and abused throughout southeastern Kentucky.  The evidence further established that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to falsify medical records, while supposedly treating patients, and that Herrell, Grenkoski, and another physician defendant, Keri McFarlane, conspired to cause millions of dollars in fraudulent submissions to Medicare, Kentucky Medicaid, and other health benefit programs for prescription drugs and urine drug testing. 

Robert Taylor, who opened EHC Medical in 2013 and operated it through late 2018, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and was sentenced in 2023 to 30 months in prison.  He forfeited $13.8 million and paid an additional fine of $200,000.  Lori Barnett, a registered nurse who helped Taylor supervise day-to-day operations, and three other physicians – Matthew Rasberry, Helen Bidawid, and Eva Misra – also pleaded guilty to related drug or money laundering charges.  McFarlane is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2024.

Under federal law, Herrell, Grenkoski, and Cirelli 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 two 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; Karen Wingerd, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; and Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), jointly announced the sentences.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, IRS, and HHS, with support from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General.

The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg Rosenberg, Amanda Huang, and Andrew Smith.  The case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, an initiative focusing on significant drug trafficking and money laundering criminal organizations.

– END –

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Barbourville pharmacy, Smith Family Pharmacy, and its pharmacist-in-charge, Stephanie Smith, agreed to pay $215,000 in civil penalties, to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) by filling prescriptions for controlled substances that had been issued without a legitimate medical purpose, in contravention of a pharmacy’s corresponding responsibility to ensure that only valid prescriptions are dispensed.

The CSA was passed to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications.  The CSA’s requirements, which apply to entities like pharmacies that purchase, dispense, and sell controlled substances, are designed to protect the public from the dangers posed by highly addictive or dangerous controlled substances that could be diverted into the illicit market.  Under the CSA, pharmacies have a legal responsibility to ensure that controlled substances are dispensed only pursuant to valid prescriptions.  Prescriptions are only valid if issued by a medical provider for a legitimate medical purpose, acting in the usual course of their professional practice.  The CSA requires pharmacists to investigate prescriptions that appear to be invalid, such as those that bear “red flags” for diversion or abuse, and to refuse to fill such prescriptions if the concerns cannot be resolved.

According to settlement documents, the Government alleged that, from April 2017 to December 2021, Smith Family Pharmacy, under Ms. Smith’s supervision, filled over 500 prescriptions for highly addictive drugs like oxycodone and oxymorphone, that showed “red flags” for diversion or abuse, but failed to resolve those concerns.  The prescriptions displayed several “red flags,” including combinations of commonly abused substances, high dosages of controlled substances, and patients traveling to out-of-state physicians to obtain prescriptions.  Some prescriptions with “red flags” that were filled by Smith Family Pharmacy were determined to have been written by out-of-state physicians that have since been convicted of illegally prescribing controlled substances (United States v. Herrell, et al., 6:21-cr-13).  

“Under the Controlled Substances Act, pharmacies and pharmacists play a critical gatekeeping function, helping to prevent diversion of controlled substances into the community,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “Prescription drug abuse continues to be an enormous challenge to our communities.  We simply must ensure that everyone is doing their part to combat this crisis – including pharmacies and pharmacists – and we will continue to enforce these critically important provisions of the CSA.”

“Retail pharmacies are the last line of defense against the diversion of controlled medications with a potential for abuse, and Smith Family Pharmacy fell short of their obligation to operate in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division.  “I’m very proud of the hard work done by the men and women of the DEA in this investigation, which led to a substantial fine, as well as safeguards to oblige the pharmacy to compliance going forward.”

The DEA and Smith Family Pharmacy also entered into a four-year Memorandum of Agreement as part of the settlement.  Specifically, Smith Family Pharmacy agreed to hire a new pharmacist-in-charge, to replace Ms. Smith; agreed to submit quarterly compliance reports to DEA; and agreed to provide employee training, addressing the identification and resolution of “red flags.”  The agreement represents an opportunity for Smith Family Pharmacy to demonstrate compliance with its legal requirements under the CSA.

The settlement considered the penalties associated with the alleged violations, as well as Smith Family Pharmacy’s and Ms. Smith’s ability-to-pay. 

The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that all levels of the supply chain that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances will be held responsible for violations of the CSA.  Tips from all sources about possible violations of controlled substances laws can be reported to the DEA at www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, London Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad.  Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Stubblebine and Katie Sheridan represented the United States.  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

– END –

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Barbourville pharmacy, Smith Family Pharmacy, and its pharmacist-in-charge, Stephanie Smith, agreed to pay $215,000 in civil penalties, to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) by filling prescriptions for controlled substances that had been issued without a legitimate medical purpose, in contravention of a pharmacy’s corresponding responsibility to ensure that only valid prescriptions are dispensed.

The CSA was passed to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications.  The CSA’s requirements, which apply to entities like pharmacies that purchase, dispense, and sell controlled substances, are designed to protect the public from the dangers posed by highly addictive or dangerous controlled substances that could be diverted into the illicit market.  Under the CSA, pharmacies have a legal responsibility to ensure that controlled substances are dispensed only pursuant to valid prescriptions.  Prescriptions are only valid if issued by a medical provider for a legitimate medical purpose, acting in the usual course of their professional practice.  The CSA requires pharmacists to investigate prescriptions that appear to be invalid, such as those that bear “red flags” for diversion or abuse, and to refuse to fill such prescriptions if the concerns cannot be resolved.

According to settlement documents, the Government alleged that, from April 2017 to December 2021, Smith Family Pharmacy, under Ms. Smith’s supervision, filled over 500 prescriptions for highly addictive drugs like oxycodone and oxymorphone, that showed “red flags” for diversion or abuse, but failed to resolve those concerns.  The prescriptions displayed several “red flags,” including combinations of commonly abused substances, high dosages of controlled substances, and patients traveling to out-of-state physicians to obtain prescriptions.  Some prescriptions with “red flags” that were filled by Smith Family Pharmacy were determined to have been written by out-of-state physicians that have since been convicted of illegally prescribing controlled substances (United States v. Herrell, et al., 6:21-cr-13).  

“Under the Controlled Substances Act, pharmacies and pharmacists play a critical gatekeeping function, helping to prevent diversion of controlled substances into the community,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “Prescription drug abuse continues to be an enormous challenge to our communities.  We simply must ensure that everyone is doing their part to combat this crisis – including pharmacies and pharmacists – and we will continue to enforce these critically important provisions of the CSA.”

“Retail pharmacies are the last line of defense against the diversion of controlled medications with a potential for abuse, and Smith Family Pharmacy fell short of their obligation to operate in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division.  “I’m very proud of the hard work done by the men and women of the DEA in this investigation, which led to a substantial fine, as well as safeguards to oblige the pharmacy to compliance going forward.”

The DEA and Smith Family Pharmacy also entered into a four-year Memorandum of Agreement as part of the settlement.  Specifically, Smith Family Pharmacy agreed to hire a new pharmacist-in-charge, to replace Ms. Smith; agreed to submit quarterly compliance reports to DEA; and agreed to provide employee training, addressing the identification and resolution of “red flags.”  The agreement represents an opportunity for Smith Family Pharmacy to demonstrate compliance with its legal requirements under the CSA.

The settlement considered the penalties associated with the alleged violations, as well as Smith Family Pharmacy’s and Ms. Smith’s ability-to-pay. 

The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that all levels of the supply chain that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances will be held responsible for violations of the CSA.  Tips from all sources about possible violations of controlled substances laws can be reported to the DEA at www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, London Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad.  Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Stubblebine and Katie Sheridan represented the United States.  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington doctor, Dr. Amr Mohamed, 55, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 2 years in prison, for a kickback conspiracy.

Mohamed was a licensed physician with a specialty in nephrology practicing in Lexington and working for various telemedicine companies that arranged for physicians to prescribe a variety of medical equipment, topical creams, and genetic testing for Medicare beneficiaries. According to his plea agreement, from March 2018 and April 2019, Mohamed entered into an agreement with RediDoc, to provide the telehealth services, and to order medically unnecessary medical equipment, topical creams, and genetic testing, for which he received $20, on average, per beneficiary from RediDoc. The orders were unnecessary because Mohamed did not have a physician-patient relationship with the beneficiaries, did not use the results of the testing in his treatment, and because he was receiving a kickback for each beneficiary.

Between March 2018 and April 2019, Mohamed received $261,054 in kickbacks from RediDoc for ordering unnecessary medical equipment and services for more than seven thousand Medicare beneficiaries, and caused Medicare to pay $14,150,764.60 for medically unnecessary items. Mohamed was also ordered to pay $14,150,764.60 in restitution.

Under federal law, Mohamed 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 Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office,  jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Smith is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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COVINGTON, Ky. – A Louisville, Ky., woman, Katharine Richardson, 36, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 126 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to court proceedings, on August 26, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Richardson was the front seat passenger.  Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found a backpack containing methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue, plastic baggies, two stolen firearms and ammunition.  An additional firearm was found in the vehicle’s trunk, and $2,526.17 was found on Richardson.  She admitted to possessing the firearms and that she possessed one or more of the firearms in furtherance of distributing the methamphetamine.

Under federal law, Richardson must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence.  Upon her release from prison, she 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; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; and Sheriff Robert “Bud” Webster, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Gallatin Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV announced today that, in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky collected more than $42 million for crime victims and taxpayers, and obtained civil settlements totaling more than $23 million through its affirmative civil enforcement efforts.

“Our office remains dedicated to pursuing restitution for victims of crime, recovering illegally obtained funds, and protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud, waste, and abuse,” said United States Attorney Shier.  “These collection and enforcement numbers demonstrate that commitment.  I want to commend the dedicated personnel in our Office, for their persistent efforts to protect our citizens and safeguard the public fisc.”

In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $29,691,324 through its Financial Litigation Program.  This Program is responsible for collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States, and criminal restitution debts owed to federal crime victims who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While criminal restitution is paid to victims, criminal fines and assessments are paid to the Department of Justice’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.   

Additionally, due to successful asset forfeitures in fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office secured $10,755,308 for federal law enforcement efforts, shared $2,140,829 with state and local law enforcement agencies, and restored $1,129,515 to crime victims.  In asset forfeiture actions, the United States seizes money and property that were proceeds of crime or used in furtherance of a crime.  Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund are used for a variety of law enforcement purposes.  Funds shared with state and local agencies reflect the degree of their participation in law enforcement efforts resulting in forfeiture. When money or property is forfeited by a defendant who also owes restitution, the Office can ask that the value of the forfeited property be paid to the victim to make him or her whole. 

The Office’s Civil Division also protects the interests of the United States in cases involving property on which the government holds a lien.  In fiscal year 2023, the Office collected $1,185,624 on behalf of taxpayers in such cases.

Finally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement program obtained civil settlements valued at $23,460,815.  Over $4.4 million of this amount represents civil penalties paid by healthcare providers who violated the Controlled Substances Act, a federal law that aims to protect the public’s health and safety from dangers posed by highly addictive or dangerous controlled substances that are diverted into the illicit market.  The remainder of these settlements – exceeding $19 million – were obtained through enforcement of the False Claims Act, which is a federal law that imposes treble damages and penalties on those who knowingly and falsely claim money from the United States.  The False Claims Act thus serves to safeguard government programs that provide health insurance, support American businesses and workers, offer disaster and other emergency relief, and provide many other critical services and benefits.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s False Claims Act recoveries contributed to a record-breaking year for the Department of Justice, which had its highest number of False Claims Act settlements and judgments in a single year, exceeding $2.68 billion.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, Ivan J. Satterfield, 30, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 72 months in prison, for five counts of possession of firearms by a prohibited person, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of distribution of fluorofentanyl.  

According to his plea agreement, between April 14 and October 31, 2022, law enforcement utilized confidential informants to make multiple firearm and controlled substance purchases from Satterfield, which included purchases of fentanyl, cocaine, and fluorofentanyl, as well as the purchase of six firearms.

Satterfield knew he had prior felony convictions, for receiving stolen property under $10,000 from Fayette Circuit Court in July 2016 and for theft by unlawful taking under $10,000 from Nelson Circuit Court in November 2013, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Under federal law, Satterfield 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; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Office; 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 Paco Villalobos is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, James W. Jointer, Jr., 31, was sentenced on Monday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to188 months in prison, for two counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a machinegun.  

According to his plea agreement, in November 2022, agents with the ATF identified Jointer as a trafficker of firearms and narcotics.  During the investigation, ATF purchased two firearms and 15.9 grams of pressed fentanyl pills.  ATF also purchased a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock” switch.  The purchased device was tested by agents and was confirmed to convert a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic firearm.  Under federal law, such conversion devices qualify as machineguns.  

Jointer knew he had a prior felony conviction for trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, in Fayette Circuit Court from 2015, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Under federal law, Jointer 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 six years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, James A. Phelps, 42, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 220 months in prison, for distribution of fluorofentanyl.

According to his plea agreement, on December 6, 2022, Phelps sold a confidential informant an ounce of suspected heroin; and when the substance was tested, it was found to be 27.919 grams of a mixture containing fluorofentanyl.  Additionally, on two other occasions, November 16, 2022, and January 18, 2023, Phelps sold the confidential informant fluorofentanyl and other controlled substances.  Each of those sales involved approximately 28 grams of fluorofentanyl.  Phelps admitted to knowing that the substance that he distributed contained a controlled substance.

Phelps has previously been convicted of a felony drug offense, distribution of cocaine.  He was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in 2011.

Under federal law, Phelps 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 six 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, jointly announce the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, with the assistance of the AHIDTA.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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COVINGTON, Ky. – An Elsemere, Ky., woman, Nalisha Nichole Stewart, 38, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 126 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to her plea agreement, in May and June 2023, law enforcement coordinated two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Stewart.  The first purchase was tested to contain approximately 29.2 grams of methamphetamine.  Before the second controlled purchase, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Stewart’s vehicle and recovered an additional 24.832 grams of methamphetamine.

Under federal law, Stewart must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence.  Upon her release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six 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 Chief Jeff Mallery, Florence Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Florence Police Department Drug Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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