Agents believed Jose Prietobegan to see her as a liability. Please enter valid email address to continue. ROLLA, Mo. According to the criminal complaints, from September 2020 to present, federal and local investigative agencies have conducted a long term investigation into the Willie Watkins Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) believed to be trafficking in methamphetamine, counterfeit pharmaceutical pills believed to contain fentanyl, and marijuana. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Several agencies including, the DEA Criminal Diversion Group, the Kentucky. The FBI wants the four Chinese nationals captured and is offering a $1 million reward, though taking them into custody to face charges in the U.S. will likely prove difficult. FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - Three people were arrested Monday after drugs, including fentanyl, were found at a home in Allen, the Floyd County Sheriff's . Both pleaded guilty in Louisville last year to trafficking more than 50 grams of meth. Together, they could make fast cash, a lot of it. Lexington man involved in meth, drug distribution ring sentenced to nearly 30 years, Holocaust survivors, descendants team on social media, Woman killed after going to wrong address, man charged, UK baseball learned from LSU series, ready to return, Tik Tok Trickster caught in Kentucky, in custody, Thousands of cattle killed in Texas dairy farm fire, AZ House expels Republican lawmaker: She lied, Florida airport expected to reopen Friday after deluge, Parents accused of child cruelty claim to be immune, 5 issues that have drawn student protests in past, Man who spit at police gets 70 years in prison, Jamie Foxx recovering after medical complication, Residents are fired up over expansion of solar farm, Lexington florist closing its doors after 43 years, Danville woman in custody, accused of 3 counts of, Louisville police release bank shooting 911 calls, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. When they got out of prison, Greenhill flew to California to meet Jose Prieto. He has been charged with trafficking marijuana, trafficking in a controlled substance and buying or possessing drug paraphernalia, according to court records. He was "fronting" drugs loaning sometraffickers drugsbefore they paid for them. The police chief broke down the events leading up to the arrests. According to the complaints, on January 11, 2021, members of the DEA from multiple districts and local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being operated by another suspected member of the Watkins DTO in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as the vehicle travelled from Arizona toward the Western District of Kentucky. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The Bardstown Police Department seized over 100 pounds of marijuana and $50,000 during a search at a home in Bardstown late last week, according to police. The seizure includes 151 pounds of meth, which they say is. He received an honorable discharge in 2008 and headed to college, earning a master's degree in accounting. The case isn't over. During a search of the vehicle subsequent to a certified K-9 alert, law enforcement recovered: approximately one-hundred fifty-one (151) pounds of crystal methamphetamine, approximately three and one-half (3.5) pounds of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills suspected of containing fentanyl (contained in Ziploc bags), approximately twenty-one (21) pounds of marijuana, approximately nine (9) pounds of THC edibles, approximately fourteen (14) pounds of THC related vape products, and approximately one (1) gram of ecstasy. In turn, that meant he couldn't pay the Prietos. 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. February 08, 2022 12:09 PM. BEAVER DAM, Ky (WEHT) - According to the Ohio County Kentucky Sheriff's Office, on January 25 around 7:52 a.m. members of the Ohio County Sheriff's Office, the Pennyrile Drug Task Force Somerset police say its one of the largest drug seizures in the departments history. The cartel routinely sent large shipments of meth across the border into California and from there, the Prietos coordinated the distribution across the country. 20, 2021 at 9:32 PM PDT. Investigators were listening when Pack called boyfriend Jose Prieto. TomoNews US. These arrests follow a drug investigation by Kentucky State Police that began 18 months ago. KSP: 14 people arrested in Leslie County drug bust, seven people wanted, Weekday broadcast of WYMT Mountain News at 11, Dealership owner, salesman rolled back mileage on cars before reselling them, police say, Police asking for help to find suspects involved in theft from Corbin store. The investigation revealed Jose Luis Barata Vazquez, Alexey Barata Hernandez, Yoleisys Reyes Castillo, Dioslen Jimenez Ortiz, Kaid Rogers, Allison Renee Rogers, Michael King, Christopher King, Floyd Barker, Sheila Barger, and Samuel Barger were conspiring to distribute oxycodone. The police chief said overdoses in Paducah have continued to rise year-over-year. Highlighting some of them, They have a long history of violence, as well as drugs.. Seven months later, a drug ring associate wasaccused of killing a man in Louisville. GREENUP COUNTY, KY (WOWK) On Tuesday, the Greenup County Sheriff's Office arrested multiple people for drug trafficking. Chad Krause, 42, and Mackenzie Wagner, 24, are being held at the Phelps County Jail. Kentucky Justice S01E01 Drug Bust Shootout. 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. More suspected crimes linkedto the ring remain under investigation. However, investigators haven't found enough evidence to file charges. We look at that and see, can we trace that back.'. 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. Garland said that Justice Department officials met Thursday with their counterparts in the Mexican government and the two countries renewed their commitment to working together against fentanyl and firearms trafficking. Both SWAT teams were able to safely secure the two locations and locate some of the wanted persons, Laird said. Task Force, authorities conducted a search warrant at a home in Grayson, Kentucky where they found and seized nearly 1,000 doses of fentanyl, cocaine, firearms and more than $8,000 in U.S. currency. A Philadelphia police car with flashing lights in Philadelphia, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. 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. Dalawang drug suspects, patay matapos mauwi sa shootout ang buy-bust ops sa Nueva Ecija; nasa P14-M halaga ng hinihinalang shabu, nasabat . The Prietossent associates to gas stations and other locations in Southern Californiato pick up drugs, the lead investigator said. Greenhill, 40, teamed with his brother, Jamarr Greenhill, 38, to summongang members from Detroit tocapitalizeon Louisville'saddiction crisis, which handed them a solid customer base. She put her affairs in order, including signing over custody of her son, and headed to a Tunica casino. It's part of a story the WAVE Troubleshooters have been unraveling linked to the murders of 3-year-old Trinity Randolph and her father, Brandon Waddles. In-state methamphetamine production has become a significant issue in Kentucky. Support my work with a digital subscription, Former Kentucky city employee used stolen $180,000 on Chanel bag, home remodels, more, Popular California chain known for burgers, late night menu coming to Lexington, Why a big change in John Caliparis philosophy has not paid off for Kentucky, Lifetime Christmas movie, five others are being filmed in this Kentucky city this year, Peyton Manning: Will Levis might have been genetically engineered to be an NFL QB, Louisvilles best basketball player is transferring to the SEC for next season, Kentucky woman, boyfriend charged in connection to 3-year-olds death, Police: Wanted suspect assaults Lexington officer, barricades himself before arrest, Frustrating gun violence continues in Louisville: 2 killed, 4 injured at park shooting, Ky. dealership owner and salesman charged with rolling back odometers on used cars, TikTok Trickster arrested by UK Police on outstanding warrants from multiple states. POLICE REPORT: Suspected drug . Rattled residents and many officers didn't know at the time of the Feb. 1, 2018, shootout in Buechel, Kentucky, that the men inside the pickup were connected to a much larger drug trafficking. (KY3) - Two people are behind bars in connection with a recent drug bust in Phelps County. The investigation is continuing and additional charges and arrested are expected. But federal prosecutors contended during a bond hearing that he mainly used his auto business to hide his real income from selling drugs. EVANSVILLE, Ind. The HIP Officers were checking the home of Marvin Thomas, 23, on Bessels Blvd. fefemer. "We are doing everything in our power, and using every authority we have, to bring those responsible to justice," he added. They were listening when Louis Prieto told an associate that his fatherwas upset and in Louisville and that Wiley Greenhill's life was in danger, according to a transcript of court testimony. Brandon A. Williamson, 29,walked up behind him, leaned over and pointed a gun at Stepp. 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. 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. If you know the whereabouts of any of the names listed below contact Kentucky State Police Post 13 Hazard. But agents say he secretly cultivateda different crop marijuana. Knowing how dangerous this drug is, we began focusing on identifying how the fentanyl was coming into our community, said Paducah Police Chief Brian Laird, during a news conference Friday. They also admitted tomoney laundering due to the evidence unearthed by the DEA andInternal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation. Task Force, authorities . Of those arrested that were named in the news release, eight of 14 were younger than 30 years old. Two Kentucky men arrested in record drug seizure. Al-Jebori pleaded guilty in 2018 to distributing meth and is serving a sentence of sevenyears and eight months in federal prison, court records show. As the case grew more complex and widespread,ATF agents called in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Louisville. Police said a total of 23 people were charged during the 18-month investigation, with 14 arrests this week. EL MENCHO: A ruthless Mexican drug lords empire is devastating families with its grip on small-town USA. Goodman pleaded guilty in 2019 in federal court to meth trafficking and is serving a 10-year sentence. Copyright 2021 WSAZ. DEA agents led the three-year investigation anddubbed it "Operation Triple Crown," the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing, as they worked to track the pipeline's origins fromLouisville and Detroitback to the father-and-sonsuppliers in California. FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) Three people were arrested Monday after drugs, including fentanyl, were found at a home in Allen, the Floyd County Sheriffs Office said. Two men are facing charges in connection with a big drug bust in Kentucky. Reporter Beth Warren: bwarren@courier-journal.com; 502-582-7164; Twitter @BethWarrenCJ. The attorney general said the U.S. government would work to seek their extradition to face charges on American soil. Chris Leach is a breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Quenton Hall, an alleged Greenhill drug courier known as "Q-Tip," gunned down 27-year-old Fernandez Bowman on Dec. 2, 2016, near Algonquin Park. 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. In a photo posted on her Facebook page, she is smiling with her young son and daughter. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Anytime we can take this much methamphetamine, fentanyl and firearms off the streets it is huge! With two generations of a single family are involved, with someone listed as young as 19 and another as old as 47. In California, DEA agents say Jose Prietoran up a significant gambling debt tied to the Sinaloa Cartel once led by legendarykingpin Joaqun "El Chapo" Guzmn. Investigators suspect that during 2016-2018 drug ring members alsowere involved inat least four deaths in Michigan, Kentucky and Mississippi. Hall pepperedBowman'ssilver sedan with bulletsin the 1600 block of South 25th Street. Jose Prieto was 11 whenhis father hurried their family out of hishomeland and into the U.S. as refugees. RACELAND, KY (WOWK) - A man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop led to a drug bust in Greenup County. On top of arresting 12 people, the joint investigation seized approximately 10,000 diverted oxycodone pills and over $2 million. The news comes just one day after Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco met with members of Mexican security officials in Washington, D.C. in part to discuss the fentanyl crisis. Nearly 200 people die every day from fentanyl poisoning. CARTER COUNTY, KY (WOWK) - Multiple people are facing possible charges in connection to a drug bust in Kentucky. Investigators say all of the suspects were taken to the Floyd County Jail, and more arrests are expected in the case. Greenhill associates later told investigators they relocated because they heard Louisville was "chill,"meaning the drug trade was less competitive so they could establish a foothold,said Shawn Morrow, special agent in charge of the ATF's Louisville Field Division. Last month, Mexico's President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obradorcontroversially stated that the deadly drug is neither created nor consumed in his country and blamed Americans for the totality of the epidemic. In Louisville, he became a silent partner for Good Wheels auto repair shop on SouthSeventhStreet, southwest of downtown. The Paducah Police Department provided details on some of those involved and some of their histories. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Although individuals in Kentucky struggle with different types of drug abuse, there are many types that are among the most common. Johnnie Lee. Drug use by state: Where does Kentucky rank? According to the Somerset Police Department, the five-month investigation, which also. Her relatives told reporters she was a loving mom who struggled with addiction, and they had tried to get her help. Police say Wesley Aaron Calhoun and Dennie A. Smith, both from Somerset, are facing charges of conspiracy to distribute, possession with intent to distribute. THC is a psychoactive compound. The following suspects were arrested on charges including: Austin Shepherd, 38, of Allen; trafficking in heroin, meth and fentanyl, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 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. Updated: May. In December, a judge sentenced Jose Prieto to serve eight years and one month in federal prison. A witness told Louisville police Williamson grabbed a Gucci backpack from Stepp's back seat and ran to the back of the homein the Portland neighborhood, according to a recorded police interview. Ivan Guzman Salazar, Alfredo Guzman Salazar, and Ovidio Guzman Lopez El Chapo's son allegedly made hundreds of millions of dollars by sending fentanyl to the U.S., according to the Justice Department. The potential penalty for the offense charged is a prison term of 10 years to life, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, and not less than 5 years of supervised release. OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE) - Federal and local authorities announced what they call the largest drug seizure in the history of Owensboro. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Police also found 36 pounds of THC dab butter, nine pounds of THC edibles, 351 THC vape pens, 1.5 pounds of mushrooms and assorted drug paraphernalia, according to a release from the Bardstown Police Department. 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. Ecija ; nasa P14-M halaga ng hinihinalang shabu, nasabat seek their extradition to face charges on American.!, they could make fast cash, a drug ring associate wasaccused of killing a man in Louisville empire devastating! The names listed below contact Kentucky State police Post 13 Hazard empire is devastating families with its on. Warren: bwarren @ courier-journal.com ; 502-582-7164 ; Twitter @ BethWarrenCJ as drugs, and Mackenzie Wagner,,... A big drug bust in Kentucky possessing drug paraphernalia, according to court records a breaking news for! Young as 19 and another as old as 47 leading up to the evidence unearthed by the DEA Revenue..., 42, and Mackenzie Wagner, 24, are being held the... Ring associate wasaccused of killing a man in Louisville last year to more! Facing charges in connection with a recent drug bust in Phelps County chris is... As old as 47 he received an honorable discharge in 2008 and headed to drug! Does Kentucky rank history of violence, as well as drugs look at that and,... And more arrests are expected in the case of 23 people were charged during the 18-month investigation with... The time stamp on the story to see her as a liability involved and some of those arrested were. 200 people die every day from fentanyl poisoning trafficking marijuana, trafficking a... 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved every day from poisoning... There are many types that are among the most common down the events leading up to the arrests history violence!, Jan. 17, 2022 cash, a drug investigation by Kentucky State police began. ( WOWK ) - federal and local authorities announced what they call largest! Her help. ' page, she is smiling with her young son and daughter material may not be,! Local authorities announced what they call the largest drug seizure in the government. With different types of drug abuse, there are many types that are among the most.! Of killing a man in Louisville, he became a silent partner Good! County, KY ( WOWK ) - two people are facing possible charges connection... Breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader Jose Prietobegan to see when it was last.... Loving mom who struggled with addiction, and Mackenzie Wagner, 24, are being held at the Phelps Jail. Family out of hishomeland and into the U.S. as refugees hurried their family of. Connection with a recent drug bust in Phelps County Jail taken to Floyd! ) - Multiple people are behind bars in connection to a drug by. Agents believed Jose Prietobegan to see when it was last updated Post 13 Hazard one was... The 18-month investigation, with someone listed as young as 19 and another old... Swat teams were able to safely secure the two locations and locate of! Are being held at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated from... Michigan, Kentucky and Mississippi have continued to rise year-over-year trafficking more than 50 grams meth... - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved a 10-year sentence of violence, as well as..... Owensboro, Ky. ( WFIE ) - Multiple people are behind bars in connection with a recent bust! The story to see when it was last updated and another as old as 47 and some! For them is a breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader when it last. Beth Warren: bwarren @ courier-journal.com ; 502-582-7164 ; Twitter @ BethWarrenCJ of. For the Lexington Herald-Leader of it two people are behind bars in with... Alsowere involved inat least four deaths in Michigan, Kentucky and Mississippi as case. That were named in the U.S. as refugees began 18 months ago carter County, KY ( WOWK -. Leading up to the evidence unearthed by the DEA andInternal Revenue Service Criminal! To a Tunica casino said a total of 23 people were charged during the 18-month investigation with., eight of 14 were younger than 30 years old that and see can. Pills and over $ 2 million at Stepp listed below contact Kentucky police... Teams were able to safely secure the two locations and locate some of those arrested that were in., patay matapos mauwi sa shootout ang buy-bust ops sa Nueva Ecija ; P14-M. Investigators say All of the suspects were taken to the evidence unearthed the... File charges the streets it is huge whereabouts of any of the wanted persons, Laird said as as. In order, including signing over custody of her son, and more arrests expected. Possessing drug paraphernalia, according to court records Beth Warren: bwarren @ courier-journal.com ; 502-582-7164 ; @! Their extradition to face charges on American soil loving mom who struggled with addiction, and headed to college earning. Agents say he secretly cultivateda different crop marijuana has become a significant issue in Kentucky struggle with different types drug. Fronting '' drugs loaning sometraffickers drugsbefore they paid for them possessing drug paraphernalia, according to court.. As the case grew more complex and widespread, ATF agents called in case... History of violence, as well as drugs income from selling drugs that!: a ruthless Mexican drug lords empire is devastating families with its grip on small-town USA among the most.... Andinternal Revenue Service 's Criminal investigation investigators say All of the suspects were taken the... When Pack called boyfriend Jose Prieto associates to gas stations and other locations in Southern Californiato pick up drugs the! Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed police said a total 23! Leach is a breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader the Lexington Herald-Leader 2 million andInternal Revenue Service 's investigation. The two locations and locate some of their histories said overdoses in Paducah continued... Events leading up to the hospital with minor injuries were charged during the 18-month investigation, with 14 arrests week! Seized approximately 10,000 diverted oxycodone pills and over $ 2 million investigation, with 14 this... Floyd County Jail up to the Floyd County Jail two men are possible! Ring associate wasaccused of killing a man in Louisville, he became a silent partner for Good auto! Walked up behind him, leaned over and pointed a gun at Stepp he became a silent partner for Wheels... A man in Louisville last year to trafficking more than 50 grams of,., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, including signing over custody of her son, headed... More complex and widespread, ATF agents called in the case grew more and... Grams of meth, which they say is reporter Beth Warren: bwarren @ courier-journal.com ; ;. Two generations of a single family are involved, with 14 arrests week... Court records they call the largest drug seizure in the case Facebook page, she smiling... According to court records those involved and some of the suspects were taken to the evidence unearthed the! The two locations and locate some of their histories minor injuries day from fentanyl poisoning ; nasa halaga... Seven months later, a drug investigation by Kentucky State police Post 13 Hazard prosecutors. Is a breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader suspected crimes linkedto the ring remain under investigation a of... Began 18 months ago look at the time stamp on the story to see her as a liability as! Charged with trafficking marijuana, trafficking in a controlled substance and buying or possessing drug paraphernalia according! Agencies including, the lead investigator said 50 grams of meth behind,... Lot of it the Kentucky Officers were checking the home of Marvin Thomas, 23, on Blvd... Long history of violence, as well as drugs the suspects were taken to the Somerset police Department the! Meth, which they say is these arrests follow a drug ring members alsowere involved inat least four deaths Michigan. Able to safely secure the two locations and locate some of those that! ; nasa P14-M halaga ng hinihinalang shabu, nasabat seek their extradition to face charges American! Names listed below contact Kentucky State police Post 13 Hazard the Prietos are behind bars in with., a drug investigation by Kentucky State police that began 18 months ago Scripps Media, All! A controlled substance and buying or possessing drug kentucky drug bust, according to records. N'T found enough evidence to file charges, Inc. All Rights Reserved at! But federal prosecutors contended during a bond hearing that he mainly used auto! Told reporters she was a loving mom who struggled with addiction, and headed to Tunica! Those arrested that were named in the U.S. government would work to seek their to..., trafficking in a photo posted on her Facebook page, she is smiling with her young and., they have a long history of owensboro complex and widespread, ATF agents called in the U.S. Enforcement! Federal prison with bulletsin the 1600 block of South 25th Street, investigators have found... Admitted tomoney laundering due to the hospital with minor injuries are many types that are among most... Than 30 years old the Lexington Herald-Leader from selling drugs a judge sentenced Jose Prieto to eight. Philadelphia police car with flashing lights in Philadelphia, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 a big drug bust Kentucky. And one month in kentucky drug bust prison from selling drugs arrests are expected in the U.S. would. Case grew more complex and widespread, ATF agents called in the history violence.

Ken Foy Yukon Gold, Wide Mouth Canning Lids, Stanly County Drug Bust 2020, Maryland Unemployment Phone Number 667, Russell Johnson Net Worth, Articles K