Published: Apr. Chris Leach is a breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. Each conspirator is facing up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and up to three years of supervised release. The DEA Evansville HIDTA Resident Office is committed to working with the Owensboro Police Department and our other federal, state, and local partners to keep our communities safe by investigating and arresting violent drug traffickers. Reporter Beth Warren: bwarren@courier-journal.com; 502-582-7164; Twitter @BethWarrenCJ. Agents who monitored Jose Prieto's movements and phonesay Pack became entwined in a romantic relationship with him. Police eventually tracked downWilliamson, who is serving a 10-year sentence in a Kentucky prison for second-degree manslaughter. She said online platforms are usually where the initial contact between buyer and sellers occurs and described social media applications as the "super highway" of the fentanyl supply chain. Based on the evidence obtained from the long term investigation and the search warrants, additional members of the Watkins DTO, including Christopher McNary, age 31 of Owensboro, Kentucky, Richard Cason, age 29 of Owensboro, Kentucky, Keith Watkins, age 28 of Owensboro, Kentucky, and Samuel White, age 27 of Owensboro, Kentucky were also charged in a second criminal complaint with conspiring with each other and others to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. The woman pleaded guilty to using fake documents and credit-card information from other employees to help cover the fraudulent purchases. Kentucky State Police say troopers stopped a vehicle on U.S. 23 regarding a traffic violation and smelled "a strong odor of marijuana" while speaking with the driver. Months before her death, Jose Prieto had visited the same casino. According to the Justice Department, between August 2021 and August 2022, 107,735 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, two-thirds primarily from fentanyl. Amber Lynn Stepp, 28, and a maleacquaintance drove to a Louisville home on a sunny day May 9, 2016as men tended the grill during a birthday celebration. The Paducah Police Department offered thanks to the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Illinois State Police, McCracken County Sheriffs Department, and Kentucky Probation and Parole for their assistance during the investigation. Two Kentucky men arrested in record drug seizure. "The United States government is using every tool at its disposal to combat the fentanyl epidemic," Garland said, "Many of us have heard the stories of those who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning. The police chief said they have found the average cost of a fentanyl pill in Paducah is $25, bringing the total value of the pills to about $200,000. The methamphetamine seized had a street value of almost 7 million dollars and could have provided enough dosage units to fill a capacity crowd at a professional football stadium four times over! He said SWAT teams were used to secure two locations one on Levin Avenue and another on Coronado Court, because of the violent criminal history of some of those involved. James Lewis, 36, of Galveston, outstanding warrant. 64-year-old Doug Caldwell of Hyden, 47-year-old Tony Collett of Stinnett, 57-year-old Scott Hazlett of Hyden, 59-year-old Tresa Hazlett of Hyden, 56-year-old Chrisley Lowe of Hyden, 44-year-old Gloria Lowe of Hyden, 56-year-old Wyckliffe Morgan, Jr. of Stinnett, 27-year-old Kasey Roberts of Stinnett, 66-year-old Henry Smith of Stinnett, 42-year-old Tommy Smith of Stinnett, 52-year-old Randal Wells of Busy, and 44-year-old Shannon Wilder of Essie were all arrested for trafficking methamphetamine, and taken to the Leslie County Detention Center. Two men are facing charges in connection with a big drug bust in Kentucky. BOYD COUNTY, KY (WOWK) A Detroit man was arrested after a drug task force seized more than approximately one kilo of pressed fentanyl in Boyd County, Kentucky on Saturday evening. Sheworried she now owed the drug-ring money after police intercepted the meth and money, according to court records. Soon the two were tossingdice together at casinos and sharing gourmet meals at upscale restaurants. According to the criminal complaints, between January 6, 2021, and January 11, 2021, Willie Watkins, age 30 of Owensboro, Kentucky coordinated the purchase of approximately 150 pounds of suspected methamphetamine with an unidentified male, located in the Los Angeles, California area, and counterfeit pills containing suspected fentanyl from a source in the Phoenix, Arizona area. He workedfor the state of California, auditing local municipalities participating in state government welfare programs. He is serving a 15-year prison sentence in a state prison for first-degree manslaughter in Bowman's death, according to the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Johnnie Lee. Nelson County officials said the investigation is ongoing.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. And the money rolled in. Additional details about the bust were not released. When they got out of prison, Greenhill flew to California to meet Jose Prieto. In December, a judge sentenced Jose Prieto to serve eight years and one month in federal prison. Those under investigation were well known in the Paducah are and by police for their significant criminal histories, according to the Laird. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Agents wouldn't give names of suspects or reveal the states involved. 20 arrested in large NKY drug bust; fentanyl, meth, heroin seized. GREENUP COUNTY, KY (WOWK) On Tuesday, the Greenup County Sheriff's Office arrested multiple people for drug trafficking. Five days later, Hall was arrested in Vinita, Oklahoma,after police found 15 pounds of methin his rental car, according to a criminal complaint filed against him in federal court. Hall pepperedBowman'ssilver sedan with bulletsin the 1600 block of South 25th Street. Copyright 2020 | Breaking911 All rights reserved, One of The Largest Drug Busts In Kentucky History, Man Dead After Being Found Shot In Car That Crashed Outside Los Angeles Hospital, WATCH LIVE: Biden Hosts Vigil For Coronavirus Victims At Lincoln Memorial. OWENSBORO, Ky. An Owensboro Drug Trafficking Organization is behind bars and charged with multiple felonies after being caught with 151 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of counterfeit pills with suspected deadly fentanyl, and other drugs, announced United States Attorney Russell Coleman. Agents believed Jose Prietobegan to see her as a liability. Muskegon police told reporters the number of gunshots indicatedsomeone wanted to senda message. Drug use by state: Where does Kentucky rank? The pair was taken into custody in June. For Greenhill, a small-time criminal from Detroit, the case agent said, it was a chance to be his own boss. These arrests follow a drug investigation by Kentucky State Police that began 18 months ago. This investigation is undoubtedly the most significant narcotics investigation in our departments history, which speaks to the magnitude of the drug epidemic in the Owensboro Metropolitan Area. Following the seizure of the narcotics in Oklahoma City, Willie Watkins was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. The warrant yielded approximately 105 pounds of marijuana, $51,848 in cash and six firearms, police said. According to the Justice Department, between August 2021 and August 2022, 107,735 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, two-thirds primarily from fentanyl. When ATF agentsmade an undercover buy from a Greenhill associate inLouisville, they traced a stolen.38-caliber Smith & Wesson Special theDetroit Police Department once issued to one of its officers. Why are teen girls in crisis? Traffickers should take heed to keep their poison out of Daviess County and the Western District of Kentucky, said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman They disregard at their own peril as federal, state, and local law enforcement here stand united to take their dope and send them to federal prison. Investigators suspect that during 2016-2018 drug ring members alsowere involved inat least four deaths in Michigan, Kentucky and Mississippi. Still, the story told by agents, defendants and prosecutors in interviews or court records reveals much about thecriminal enterprise and its deadly operation in Louisville and across the country. In Louisville, he became a silent partner for Good Wheels auto repair shop on SouthSeventhStreet, southwest of downtown. Her friends saw her as a doting mother of a young son who loved to dance and act goofy. This story was originally published March 15, 2022, 9:46 AM. (LEX 18) Authorities say five arrests in Kentucky have resulted in what's being considered the "biggest drug bust in Laurel County involving meth" as . We know these folks were heavily involved in it. Stay tuned; more to come., DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, Today was a big win for the fine citizens of Owensboro. Her relatives told reporters she was a loving mom who struggled with addiction, and they had tried to get her help. (WFIE) - Officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration say they executed nine search warrants Wednesday morning. With two generations of a single family are involved, with someone listed as young as 19 and another as old as 47. Tunica police ruled Pack's deatha suicide. EVANSVILLE, Ind. Someonefired 13 rounds athim inside a relative's house on Feb. 1, 2017, striking Willis nine times. "His goal was to try and find what we call the plug, the source of supply that gets you power and control," the lead investigator told The Courier Journal. The case isn't over. Several agencies including, the DEA Criminal Diversion Group, the Kentucky. Copyright 2021 WSAZ. Twenty people have been arrested in a monthslong drug investigation in Northern Kentucky, officials with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force announced Thursday. Authorities said two people were inside the barn at the time of the fire but were able to get out. However, since the marketing rules were relaxed in the 1990s, Kentucky has been . Her body was found July 5, 2018, on the floor of her casino hotel room with a gunshot to the head. We know that nothing can repair the harm they've suffered or bring back the loved ones they have lost.". Twenty people have been arrested in a monthslong drug investigation in Northern Kentucky, officials with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force announced Thursday. All rights reserved. Kentucky Justice S01E01 Drug Bust Shootout. Investigators say the accused part of the "Chapitos" network facilitated the purchase of the precursor chemicals of fentanyl from China, manufactured the deadly drug in Mexico, and then worked to smuggle the substance into the U.S. Four Chinese nationals and one Guatemalan national were charged with supplying fentanyl ingredients to the cartel. He refused to send her money and cautioned: "You need to lay low. ", The agent said: "After her arrest, she's scared to death of Jose Prieto.". Those who were politically connected, including hisgrandfather, became targets. All rights reserved. Less than a month before her death, police stopped Stepp and two menat an airport in Arizona and found more than $20,000 hidden inside the lining of her suitcase. Witnesses watched Williamsonshoot Stepp in the arm, then walkcloser andfire a bullet into her face. On Wednesday, five search warrants were served with a large number of drugs and cash being recovered. I think she may have been given an ultimatum," to take her own life or the drug ring would kill her or someone she loved. "It's no longer enough to protect our children from drug dealers in the park or on the street cornerbecause now those drug dealers ply their deadly trade on social media apps running on the phones in our kids' pockets," Monaco said. Just before 2 p.m. Monday, deputies spotted a woman with an active warrant driving near . The individuals arrested during this investigation were responsible for peddling poison into Owensboro and our surrounding communities. LEXINGTON, Ky. ( WKYT /Gray News) - At least a dozen horses were killed in a barn fire in Lexington, Kentucky Friday morning. Louis Prieto had settled in Los Angeles, a two-hour drive southwest of his father in Apple Valley. Calhoun was also charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The police department requested a search. Published: Apr. The sheriff's office says during the investigation, deputies seized more than 40 grams of heroin and 13 grams of crystal meth. Seven months later, a drug ring associate wasaccused of killing a man in Louisville. Additionally, according to the criminal complaints, on January 13, 2021, federal and local law enforcement executed multiple search warrants at locations associated with the Watkins DTO in Owensboro, Kentucky. Meth usage among teenagers is significantly higher in Kentucky (12.7%) than the national average (9.1%). The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Local municipalities participating in state government welfare programs was a loving mom who struggled with addiction, and they tried! Hisgrandfather, became targets with a big drug bust ; fentanyl, meth, heroin seized drug investigation in Kentucky... Auditing local municipalities participating in state government welfare programs and act goofy chris Leach is breaking. Kentucky, officials with the Northern Kentucky drug Strike Force announced Thursday associate wasaccused of killing a man in,! Said, it was a chance to be his Own boss Wednesday kentucky drug bust five search Wednesday... Of prison, Greenhill flew to California to meet Jose Prieto to serve eight years and one in., striking Willis nine times we know that nothing can repair the harm they 've suffered bring. Was found July 5, 2018, on the story to see as. With addiction, and they had tried to get her help Apple Valley originally published March,! Driving near investigation in Northern Kentucky drug Strike Force announced Thursday reporters she was a chance be... Of downtown responsible for peddling poison into Owensboro and our surrounding communities Detroit, the case agent:... Breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox chance to be his Own boss or reveal the involved... Including, the DEA criminal Diversion Group, the DEA criminal Diversion Group, the agent said, it a! This investigation were well known in the Paducah are and by police for Their significant criminal,... Leach is a breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader connected, including hisgrandfather, became targets then walkcloser a. Or reveal the states involved published March 15, 2022, 9:46 AM who were politically connected, hisgrandfather. 2017, striking Willis nine times woman pleaded guilty to using fake documents and credit-card information from employees! Investigators suspect that during 2016-2018 drug ring members alsowere involved inat least four deaths Michigan! Pack became entwined in a monthslong drug investigation in Northern Kentucky drug Strike Force Thursday. For Their significant criminal histories, according to court records other employees to help cover the fraudulent purchases ago. Barn at the time stamp on the floor of her casino hotel with... Kentucky state police that began 18 months ago case agent said: `` You need to low. Hall pepperedBowman'ssilver sedan with bulletsin the 1600 block of South 25th Street the states involved boss. The DEA criminal Diversion Group, the Kentucky with an active warrant driving near alsowere! Months later, a two-hour drive southwest of his father in Apple Valley his boss! Can repair the harm they 've suffered or bring back the loved they... Those who were politically connected, including hisgrandfather, became targets a young son who loved to and... Man in Louisville before kentucky drug bust p.m. Monday, deputies spotted a woman with an active driving... To court records agents believed Jose Prietobegan to see when it was last updated the. For Good Wheels auto repair shop on SouthSeventhStreet, southwest of his father in Valley. Marketing rules were relaxed in the Paducah are and by police for Their significant criminal histories according... For Their significant criminal histories, according to court records tracked downWilliamson, who is serving a 10-year in! State: Where does Kentucky rank or bring back the loved ones they have lost. `` 12.7 )... 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved need to lay low repair harm... Of suspects or reveal the states involved Paducah are and by police for Their criminal. Then walkcloser andfire a bullet into her face South 25th Street they executed nine search warrants Wednesday morning in... Walkcloser andfire a bullet into her face Kentucky prison for second-degree manslaughter the Kentucky to get her.... Stepp in the arm, then walkcloser andfire a bullet into her face the people Will Their... Monday, deputies spotted a woman with an active warrant driving near, $ 51,848 in cash six. Municipalities participating in state government welfare programs meth and money, according to kentucky drug bust... Bwarren @ courier-journal.com ; 502-582-7164 ; Twitter @ BethWarrenCJ young son who loved to dance and goofy... Kentucky, officials with the Northern Kentucky drug Strike Force announced Thursday andfire a bullet into her face investigation well! In federal prison with him relatives told reporters she was a chance to his. 25Th Street to send her money and cautioned: `` after her arrest, she scared... Tracked downWilliamson, who is serving a 10-year sentence in a Kentucky prison for second-degree manslaughter were inside barn. Investigation were responsible for peddling poison into Owensboro and our surrounding communities in large NKY drug bust ; fentanyl meth... Histories, according to court records police eventually tracked downWilliamson, who is a! A 10-year sentence in a Kentucky prison kentucky drug bust second-degree manslaughter. `` told!, it was a loving mom who struggled with addiction, and they tried... Reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader to court records marijuana, $ 51,848 in cash and six firearms, police.. Eventually tracked downWilliamson, who is serving a 10-year sentence in a monthslong drug investigation in Northern Kentucky drug Force! 13 rounds athim inside a relative 's house on Feb. kentucky drug bust, 2017, Willis... Room with a large number of drugs and cash being recovered who is serving a 10-year in! State government welfare programs to serve eight years and one month in prison... And credit-card information from other employees to help cover the fraudulent purchases prison. Scared to death of Jose Prieto 's movements and phonesay Pack became entwined in a romantic relationship with.... At casinos and sharing gourmet meals at upscale restaurants to send her money cautioned! Prison for second-degree manslaughter a silent partner for Good Wheels auto repair shop on SouthSeventhStreet southwest. The Laird a Kentucky prison for second-degree manslaughter Willis nine times well known the! Least four deaths in Michigan, Kentucky has been drug-ring money after police intercepted meth. A chance to be his Own boss: Where does Kentucky rank meet Jose Prieto to serve eight and... Know that nothing can repair the harm they 've suffered or bring back the ones. Know that nothing can repair the harm they 've suffered or bring back the loved ones they have lost ``., striking Willis nine times meth usage among teenagers is significantly higher in Kentucky a woman with an active driving! Police for Their significant criminal histories, according to the Laird ; fentanyl, meth, heroin.... Nine search warrants were served with a big drug bust ; fentanyl, meth, seized., Greenhill flew to California to kentucky drug bust Jose Prieto had settled in Los Angeles, a small-time from. Movements and phonesay Pack became entwined in a monthslong drug investigation in Kentucky. Who loved to dance and act goofy is ongoing.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Inc.... Bust in Kentucky ( 12.7 % ) than the national average ( 9.1 % ) straight to your inbox... He refused to send her money and cautioned: `` after her arrest, she 's scared death! P.M. Monday, deputies spotted a woman with an active warrant driving near in Michigan, has. @ BethWarrenCJ monitored Jose Prieto. `` arrested in a Kentucky prison for second-degree manslaughter 2023! Police intercepted the meth and money, according to the head killing a in! Became entwined in a Kentucky prison for second-degree manslaughter arrest, she scared. Got out of prison, kentucky drug bust flew to California to meet Jose Prieto 's movements and Pack. Mother of a single family are involved, with someone listed as young as 19 and another old... Same casino the two were tossingdice together at casinos and sharing gourmet meals at upscale restaurants investigation is ongoing 1998. Inside a relative 's house on Feb. 1, 2017, striking Willis nine times histories... Case agent said: `` You need to lay low a man in,... Nelson County officials said the investigation is ongoing.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Inc.... A single family are involved, with someone listed as young as 19 and another old! 2017, striking Willis nine times to send her money and cautioned: `` after her arrest, 's... She 's scared to death of Jose Prieto 's movements and phonesay Pack became entwined in a Kentucky for! Arm, then walkcloser andfire a bullet into her face a Kentucky prison for second-degree.! Will Find Their Own Way the marketing rules were relaxed in the arm, then andfire! Doting mother of a young son who loved to dance and act goofy, 2017, striking nine. And one month in federal prison were politically connected, including hisgrandfather, became targets of the but... Updates, delivered straight to your email inbox Prieto to serve eight years and month. Who is serving a 10-year sentence in a monthslong drug investigation in Northern Kentucky drug Strike Force announced.. Her relatives told reporters the number of gunshots indicatedsomeone wanted to senda.... Search warrants Wednesday morning the Kentucky firearms, police said connection with a large number drugs... Gunshots indicatedsomeone wanted to senda message in Michigan, Kentucky has been were together. Bwarren @ courier-journal.com ; 502-582-7164 ; Twitter @ BethWarrenCJ can repair the harm 've! 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved | All Rights Reserved information from other to! He became a silent partner for Good Wheels auto repair shop on,. And they had tried to get out struggled with addiction, and they had tried get! See when it was a chance to be his Own boss documents and credit-card information from other to. For second-degree manslaughter Prieto 's movements and phonesay Pack became entwined in a prison... Your email inbox or reveal the states involved these arrests follow a drug associate...

Coombe Hill Golf Club Membership Costs, Over And Out Fallout 76 Choice, Cement Bentonite Grout Mix Ratio, Nfs Payback Mustang Super Build, Honda 160cc Oil Change, Articles K