December 9, 2017
GROUP WAS BRINGING IN METH AND VARIOUS OTHER NARCOTICS FROM OUT OF STATE AND ACROSS THE STATE FROM LOUISVILLE; FEDERAL CHARGES MAY BE LURKING NEXT
Sheriff’s indictment says some subjects had been working together since at least 2015 to bring crystal meth and other drugs to county
Press Release From Sheriff Garrett Roberts
December 8, 2017
A drug investigation that began in May 2016 has led to a case involving multiple co-defendants being presented to the Lawrence County Grand Jury.
On Wednesday December 6, 2017 Chief Deputy Mark Wheeler with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office presented a case involving 19 co-defendants who were involved in trafficking controlled substances in Lawrence County, KY.
During the year and a half long investigation it was learned that some of the subjects had been working together since at least 2015 to bring crystal methamphetamine and other controlled substance into the county for distribution.
This investigation consisted of numerous hours of interviews as well as processing a large amount of recorded information relating to the operation.
The investigation found that several of the individuals would gather money from other involved individuals as well as others outside the group and travel to Louisville, KY, Huntington, WV and numerous other locations to purchase the methamphetamine and other substances to bring back to Lawrence County.
Once they arrived back with the drugs they would distribute them. Some of the individuals would arrange the sale of drugs while others would deliver the product, provide the transportation, or a location to hang out and come for the transactions.
A few of the other substances that were found to have been distributed were Heroin, Molly, Suboxone and Oxycodone.
Those subjects involved and charged with Engaging in Organized Crime – Criminal Syndicate are:
Paul “Shane” Hackney, Nicholas Hackney, Matthew Caudill, Alexis Boyd, Randy “Tap” Justice, Prince Stevens, Jasmine Mullins, Keith Penix, Amanda Thomas, Broderick “Nathan” Cyrus, Johnny Gibson, Zachary Gibson, Robert “Dusty” Powers, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Joey Thomas, Jeramie Vanover, Joann Collins, Brian Roop and Katlin Roop.
The investigation is continuing with more charges and arrests possible.
If anyone has information related to illegal drug activity they can report it to the Sheriff’s Office at 606-638-4368. As always you can remain anonymous.
Sheriff Garrett Roberts
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office
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An indictment is not proof of guilt or innocence, but a charge that there is enough evidence to take the matter to trial.
