louisville, ky drug bust

He slowed down to make his usual turnbut saw too much standing water and decided to drive another route through Pleasure Ridge Park. After his arrest, Catertold agents hepreviously sold marijuana for Rodriguez and was with himwhenRamirezwas shot. Officers flipped on blue lights and sirens, but the suspectssped up. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. A locked padlock Ms. Taylors family has disputed the polices claim that the raid had to be conducted in the middle of the night. Family of Breonna Taylor, via Agence France-Presse Getty Images, Justice Department charged four current and former police officers, agreed to pay $12 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit, fired several officers, including Mr. Hankison, according to The Louisville Courier Journal, they knocked several times and identified themselves as police officers with a warrant, forced entry into the exterior door and were immediately met with gunfire., he feared for his life and fired in self-defense. Louisville, KY 502-574-7676 Mr. Chris Connors, Director Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force Independence, KY 41051 859-525-6272 chris.conners@kentoncounty.org Counties Served: Boone, Campbell and Kenton Mr. David Thompson, Director Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force Hopkinsville, KY 42241 270-885-0031 dthompson@pntf.us But a judge had also signed a warrant allowing the police to search Ms. Taylors residence because the police said they believed that one of the men had used her apartment to receive packages. [28], In December 2016, President Obama granted clemency to an additional 231 incarcerated people, including another man from Marion County: Aaron Glasscock. It thenpulled up beside him, and someone began to fire a gun. About a year later, Gov. 2022 Commonwealth of Kentucky. But, it's believed the ring has been operating here for about two years. Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. The police assert that they knocked several times and identified themselves as police officers with a warrant before entering the apartment. Jonathan Mattingly in a thigh. Derrick Lamont Bullitt, 37, of Louisville, Kentucky, has been charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Thedrug ring withties to a Mexican cartel capitalizedon the region's crippling addiction crisis and plotted the deaths of peoplewho threatened its lucrative business, federal agents claimin acriminal complaint. He is currently being held in the Pulaski County Detention Center. Internal documents describe the proposed CCE prosecution as "futile" because of the group's collective silence. On Feb.23, teams of heavily armed agents and local police were ready to swarm the southern Jefferson County stash houses,the accused hit man's house in Okolona andthe alleged drug lord's home in Oldham County. Cellphones also helped investigators in another way: They listened in as Rodriguez, the alleged drug lord, told Castleabout his fears that one of hisassociates would double-cross him and spill the drug ring's secrets to police including details about Ramirez's death. At this point its bigger than Breonna, its bigger than just Black Lives, Ms. Taylors mother, Tamika Palmer, said over the summer of 2020 as she beseeched the authorities to bring criminal charges. Mark Burden, DirectorBluegrass Narcotics Drug Task ForceCynthiana, KY 41031 859-234-2617markburden45bntf@gmail.comCounties served: Bourbon and Harrison, Mr. Thomas (Tommy) Loving, DirectorBowling Green-Warren County Drug Task ForceBowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-5343Tommy.Loving@ky.govCounty served: Warren, Mr. Bruce Palmer, DirectorFADE Drug Task ForceRussell KY 41169Flatwoods, KY 41139606-836-0442 fadetaskforce@yahoo.comCounties served: Carter and Greenup, Mr. Ron Eckhart, DirectorGreater Hardin County Narcotics Task ForceElizabethtown, KY 42701270-769-0694r.eckart@ghcntf.comCounties served: Grayson, Hardin, Nelson, Hart, and Nelson, Major Michael RogersKSP - Special Enforcement Operations Division919 Versailles RoadFrankfort, KY 40601502-782-1798michaelc.rogers@ky.govCounties Served: State of Kentucky, Mr. Wayne Conn, Interim DirectorLake Cumberland Area Drug Task ForceSomerset, KY 42502606-679-5034connw@lcadtf.comCounties served: McCreary, Pulaski, Wayne, Lieutenant Jesse HarrisLexington Metro Police Department Narcotics UnitLexington, KY 40507859-258-3630 jharris@lexingtonpolice.ky.govCounty served: Fayette, Mr. Loyd Baker, CommanderNorthern Kentucky Drug Strike ForceLouisville, KY 502-574-7676, Mr. Chris Connors, DirectorNorthern Kentucky Drug Strike ForceIndependence, KY 41051859-525-6272 chris.conners@kentoncounty.orgCounties Served: Boone, Campbell and Kenton, Mr. David Thompson, DirectorPennyrile Narcotics Task ForceHopkinsville, KY 42241270-885-0031 dthompson@pntf.usCounties served: Caldwell, Crittenden, Henderson Cumberland, Livingston, Lyon, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg and Webster, Mr. Jacky Hunt, DirectorSouth Central Kentucky Drug Task ForceRussellville, KY 42276270-725-4972jhunt@sckdtf.orgCounties served: Logan and Simpson, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet125 Holmes StreetFrankfort, KY 40601Main Line: (502)564 9564 Shortly after midnight on March 13, Louisville police officers executing a search warrant used a battering ram to enter the apartment of Ms. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician. While the department had received court approval for a no-knock entry, the orders were changed before the raid to knock and announce, meaning that the police had to identify themselves. If convicted, the charges carry no less than a mandatory 10 years in federal prison. Louisvilledetectives, federal agents and prosecutorsalso wouldn'tdiscuss the case. James Harrod, 38, of Frankfort, engaging in organized crime, a Class B felony, and receiving stolen property (less than $10,000), a Class D felony. I let him go. Copyright 2022 WYMT. [6], Bickett wrote his memoirs "The Origins of the Cornbread Mafia, A Memoir of Sorts" and "Cornbread Mafia, The Outlaws of Central Kentucky" while incarcerated in the 1990s but did not publish his books until several years after his release from federal prison in 2011[7], Higdon's book reports that assistant US Attorney Cleve Gambill said at the June 1989 press conference: "The organization is a highly motivated, well financed group of marijuana growers from Kentucky who are responsible for growing this vast amount of marijuana [and who] call themselves the Cornbread Mafia.". [18], According to Joe Keith Bickett's second book, Bobby Joe "Redeye" Shewmaker,the leader of the Kansas crew, was the only defendant in the group's history to be indicted on a CCE charge (Career Criminal Enterprise). Additionally, Mr. Cason is charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking for events occurring on or about January 13, 2021. Said Owensboro Police Chief Art Ealum. Cater's crimes wouldgrow more violent, according to police reports,and eventually culminate in his role as an allegedcontract killer. Derrick Lamont Bullitt, 37, of Louisville, Kentucky, has been charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to. They ordered the two boys, ages 16 and 18, into the trunk of the18-year-old's black Impala, withone of the suspects at the wheel. Literally. "Crazy, we didn't know anything we thought they were moving in they've been working on the house for about two years," said Jimmy Nash. Investigators rushed to convince a judge they had enough evidence to arrest Rodriguez, Castle and Cater the accused drug lord, his suspected right-hand man and the alleged hit man. [25], Boone was sentenced to serve his time at FCI Elkton, a low security federal prison in Ohio. Mr. Meany, who led a department investigative unit, approved the affidavit despite knowing that it contained false information. Investigators said seven search warrants were obtained, resulting in the 20 arrests. For, Louisville man walked up to officers with stab wound, 'Pursue vetting candidates thoroughly': Kentucky bill would strengthen disclosure requirements, A brief break in showers and storms today, Strong thunderstorms possible Wednesday, again later this week; What to know, 'Scum of the earth': Drug victims face Purdue Pharma owners, 6-day-a-week delivery by law part of Postal Service bill Congress just passed, Authorities seize nearly $3M worth of meth in onion shipment. Another officer, Mr. Mattingly, retired from the force. [2] The story was first reported in the Courier Journal Magazine in Louisville, Kentucky on October 8, 1989 and then in 2012 in the narrative non-fiction book, The Cornbread Mafia: A Homegrown Syndicate's Code Of Silence And The Biggest Marijuana Bust In American History (2012), by James Higdon. But, was surprised to see authorities all over the place at this house just last week. It's a story of violence, deception and revenge, a rare look inside a powerful Louisville drug ring. Local prosecutors say they're required to prove"a clear nexusbetween drug activity and seized money" to justify a forfeiture,said Josh Abner, a spokesman for the Jefferson County attorney's office. The Indictment follows criminal complaints filed against 5 members of the organization in January 2021 and the seizure of approximately 151 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of suspected fentanyl disguised as pharmaceutical pills, multiple firearms, and over $350,000 in United States Currency. PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - Pulaski County Sheriff Greg Speck says a 47-year-old man from Louisville was arrested on numerous drug charges Monday. Keith Watkins has also been charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl for events occurring between on or about January 12, 2021, and January 13, 2021. We won't share it with anyone else. Drug overdoses:Fatal OD leads to a Louisville bartender facing federal charges. Police were familiar with Castle, who had been in and out of jailfor decades short stints forburglary, cocaine trafficking and illegal gun convictions. ", "He tried to stay in the dark," Williams told the Courier Journal. In June 2008, police discovered Boone growing 2,421 marijuana seedlings on his farm outside Springfield, Kentucky in Washington County, but Boone escaped arrest, under threat of a life sentence without parole because the bust would be his third federal conviction under the Three Strikes Law. The blasts echoedat least 10 times. A third officer facing the federal charges, Brett Hankison, was the only officer to face state charges in the raid. Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain said, These indictments are the result of an ongoing investigation that initially identified (5) Co-conspirators in a major narcotics criminal enterprise operating in the Owensboro-Daviess County area. That included hiring and paying Cater for the murders, agents said. Members of this group profited from catalytic converter thefts, numerous burglaries and thefts across the county, he said, explaining the organized crime charge. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. If convicted, the charges carry no less than a mandatory 10 years in federal prison. Read this:Fentanyl is now the deadliest drug in Louisville, Kentucky and the US. All three have pleaded not guilty to federalcharges ofconspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine,using a gun in a crime of violence or drug trafficking, and murder. "He didn't want to meet me or come to court. The police responded by firing several shots, striking Ms. Taylor five times. Reporter Beth Warren used local and federal court databases to access records on the pending charges and sift through hundreds of pages of documents on past traffic and criminal court records. Vicente Rodriguez Ramirez, known as "Big V," agreed to serve asthe middle man, brokering the deal in the West End, according to calls intercepted by police. When confronted with the evidence, Rodriguez, the alleged drug lord,admitted to being "a kilogram quantity narcotics trafficker with multiple sources of supply, both in California and Mexico.". The DEA said that just one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. It's a tale of three men who evaded police for years, how investigators say they came together. Mr. Hankison was accused of depriving Ms. Taylor, her boyfriend and their neighbors of their rights by unreasonably firing 10 bullets through a window and sliding glass door that were covered with blinds. (Facebook: LMPD) By Shellie Sylvestri Published: May. They also say that Mr. Walker was licensed to carry a gun. But hundreds of pages of court documents and police recordsobtained by the Courier Journal reveal how the defendants skirted the justice system for years. Now, they believe they have powerful evidence that may put thetrio away for good: Surveillance of a large drug shipment hidden in a luxury car. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. [19] Jimmy Bickett and author Joe Keith Bickett, along with two codefendants, were the only defendants who proceeded to a jury trial after being indicted in March 1989 in federal court in Louisville, Kentucky on distribution of marijuana charges. The affidavit claimed that Ms. Taylors ex-boyfriend had been receiving packages at her address, but prosecutors say that there was no such evidence and that the officers misrepresented the case to the judge who signed off on the raid. Bickett and Boone prides themselves in producing a CBD product from "seed to seal. According to a news release, Bardstown Polices narcotics unit conducted a search warrant at a home in the 700 block of Poplar Flat Road on Friday. He pleaded not guilty and was acquitted. Main Fax: (502) 564-6104Send an Email. Let this be an example, if you are stealing from others and victimizing citizens in Franklin County, just know that you are on our radar and we will soon be knocking on your door, Quire warned. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Ten Louisville residents have been charged as part of a bust targeting a Louisville drug trafficking organization, according to the Federal Bureau of. He was trapped. A big-screen adaptation of the 1988 novel by Thomas Harris, the film quickly grew from an unexpected blockbuster to an awards season juggernaut, nabbing Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best. Officers soon stopped the car, freed the boysand arrestedthe17-year-old driverand his passengerCater. If convicted, the charges carry no less than a mandatory 10 years in federal prison. LOUISVILLE, Ky. One suspect remains at large following a federal drug bust linked to alleged gang activity in Louisville, and which led to several arrests. A federal complaint says agents seized approximately 1,100 pounds of marijuana, assault weapons, ammo and nearly $700,000 in cash from two homes and the two storage facilities. Darrion Lamont Moody, 35, of Evansville, Indiana has been charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. If convicted, the charges carry no less than a mandatory 10 years in federal prison. Rodriguez claimed it was payment for hanging drywall, but he didn't have invoices or receipts. The most alarming factor concerning all the listed suspects is their suspected addiction to methamphetamine and other drugs.. If convicted, the charges carry no less than a mandatory 10 years in federal prison. Two fishermen freed them. The term "Cornbread Mafia" was first used in public by federal prosecutors in a June 1989 press conference, where they revealed that 70 men had been arrested for organizing a marijuana trafficking ring that stretched across 30 farms in 10 states stretching from the Southeast into the Midwest. Breonna was starting to live her best life.. A lock ( James Antonio Smith, 37, of Owensboro, Kentucky, has been charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Low near 45F. Jeremy Poiles, 39, of Owensboro, Kentucky, has been charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Agents using wiretaps say they overheard the suspecteddrug lord, Rodriguez, and his alleged right-hand man,Castle,discussinga$30,000 payment to Cater to gun down Vicente Rodriguez Ramirez and another man they blamed for the heroin theft. Shortly after midnight on March 13, Louisville police officers executing a search warrant used a battering ram to enter the apartment of Ms. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician. The teens were about to leave the lake whentwo cars rumbled toward them,blockingtheir exit. It found that the only support for a grand jurys conclusion that the officers had announced themselves before bursting into Ms. Taylors apartment beyond the assertions of the officers themselves was the account of a single witness who had given inconsistent statements. And theypondered killing a third. Five men are now facing charges. If Rodriguez had grownapprehensive, thosefears were justified. "They had the doors kicked in so, I assumed something real bad went on over there," said Nash. It listed Ms. Taylors injuries as none, even though she had been shot several times, and indicated that officers had not forced their way into the apartment though they used a battering ram to break the door open. Hisattorney, Christopher Klein,showed up in his place at a hearing three months later, convincing thejudge to order police to return his money. Opioid crisis:Patients died, families lived in fear of doctor charged as drug dealer. Due to health risks, Boone's attorneys requested in May 2020 he be released; which was granted on June 3. [1] It was based in Marion, Nelson and Washington counties in central Kentucky. And Mr. Walker, 27, has said that he feared for his life and fired in self-defense, believing that someone was trying to break into the home. It's a story of violence, deception and revenge, a rare look inside a powerful Louisville drug ring. The 8.5 kilogram stash of suspected fentanyl was . Have a news tip? All rights reserved. According to the federal Indictment, members of the Drug Trafficking Operation, as early as 2016 and continuing through January 13, 2021, conspired with each other and others to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The arrests were part of the conclusion of the. While executing search warrants at several locations in Bald Knob, investigators reportedly recovered stolen property including a Jeep that was reported stolen from a Lewis Ferry residence, numerous pistols and rifles, an ATV, chainsaws and liquor. Mayor Greg Fischer announced other changes to ensure more scrutiny, transparency and accountability, including the naming of a new police chief; a new requirement that body cameras always be worn during the execution of search warrants; and the establishment of a civilian review board for police disciplinary matters. Copyright 2011 WAVE News. Bowling Green: (270) 781-4438 According to the DEA, 2 milligrams of fentanyl is believed to be fatal, and a kilogram of the drug has the potential to kill 500,000 people, as reported by WAVE. The three children were waiting for a bus when they were shot in a drive-by at about 6:30 a.m. local time Wednesday, police said. President Barack Obama granted clemency to three men from Marion County, Kentucky; all were either directly or indirectly connected to the Cornbread Mafia. - The last of 26 defendants charged in the largest Jefferson County, Kentucky drug trafficking organization was sentenced in United States District Court this week, by Senior Judge Charles R. Simpson III, for his role in the distribution of cocaine, brought into the United States through a Mexican drug cartel, to metro Louisville for 8.5 kilograms of fentanyl were seized, and 2 mg is considered fatal. They didn't have that proof, sothey didn't object to Klein's motion to return the money. Rodriguez allegedly turned to Castle, a 45-year-old convicted cocaine dealer and serial burglar,to fulfill a type of upper-management role, directing daily operations. For years, Rodriguez zipped aroundin a dark blue Cadillac Escalade, black Ford Mustang, white Lexus and a number of other cars. The DEA says the drugs were coming from Mexico to be sold in our area. More:How did police finally nab Louisville's missing armored car driver? p.5, Joe Keith Bickett, Cornbread Mafia, The Outlaws of Central Kentucky, p 230, Joe Keith Bickett,Cornbread Mafia, The Outlaws of Central Kentucky, p.255, The Lebanon Enterprise, Johnny Boone is Sentenced, March 21, 2018 www.lebanonenterprise.com, Lebanon Enterprise, April 25, 2018, Nashville recording artist sings about Cornbread Mafia and Kentucky Girl, Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 07:46, The Origins Of The Cornbread Mafia: A Memoir Of Sorts, The Cornbread Mafia: A Homegrown Syndicate's Code Of Silence And The Biggest Marijuana Bust In American History, "Schenectady Gazette - Google News Archive Search", "Lawrence Journal-World - Google News Archive Search", "Kentucky New Era - Google News Archive Search", "The Nevada Daily Mail - Google News Archive Search", "The Springfield Sun News, Sports, Entertainment and information for Springfield, Kentucky", "Kentucky man to be featured on "America's Most Wanted", "Cornbread Mafia leader Johnny Boone pleads guilty in federal court", 'Godfather of Grass' begs for release from prison where 9 men have died from COVID-19, Obama Commutes Sentence of Prisoner Serving Life for Pot, The Big Statement Obama Could Make on Legalizing Pot, "Lexington Herald Leader: Search Results". The Nelson County. In custody are Marcelo Carrillo Jr., Jeffrey Driskell, Donte Pullum, and Ronald Wells. The search continues for 32-year old Detrick Houseal. The investigation is being led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (Evansville Indiana Resident Office, Albuquerque District Office, Phoenix Field Division, Orange County District County Office, Oklahoma City, Flagstaff Resident Office, Paducah POD, Springfield, Missouri, and SOD); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bowling Green, Kentucky; HSI Oklahoma City; Owensboro Kentucky Police Department, Daviess County Sheriffs Office; Criminal Interdiction Team of Central Oklahoma; Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office; Oklahoma City Police Department; Arizona Highway Patrol; and the Daviess County Commonwealths Attorneys Office. DEA agents, assisted by Louisville Metro Police detectives,had been building their case against the trio since late 2016. High 62F. What to Know About Breonna Taylors Death, https://www.nytimes.com/article/breonna-taylor-police.html. Kentucky Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces. Seven people indicted after kilos of drugs and cash found in east Louisville home Sep 29, 2016 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kilos of drugs and cash were found in Bullitt County and east. The Louisville Metro Police Department and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration report the agencies seized at least 8.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 20,000 to 30,000 suspected fentanyl pills from a Louisville-area storage unit on Monday following a long-term investigation. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today:courier-journal.com/bethw. Richard Cason, 29, of Owensboro, Kentucky, has been charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Western District of Kentucky Ten catalytic converters were reported stolen by Stigers, who offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Mr. Walker has said he and Ms. Taylor heard aggressive banging at the door and asked who it was, but they did not hear an announcement that it was the police. Yes, hotly. Franklin County Sheriffs detectives began investigating the crimes in May and determined numerous suspects were involved. The members of the organization were charged as follows: Willie Watkins, 30, of Owensboro, Kentucky, has been charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Ms. Taylors family has long pleaded for justice, and her case began to draw national attention in May 2020. Others handcuffed and hauled the suspects to small, sterile rooms for questioning. Investigators say they used GPS tracking to follow the men on drug buying trips from Louisville to Indianapolis, Memphis, Arizona and Mexico. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Kentucky, Owensboro Drug Trafficking Organization Members Indicted For Methamphetamine And Fentanyl Trafficking Operation, Louisville Man Sentenced to Over 29 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution, Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Offenses, and for Assaulting Federal Officer, Kentucky Man Charged with Running Cocaine Distribution Operation, Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Felon for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Machine Gun. All rights reserved. [5] and the groups ultimate downfall in the late 1980s. "Without the prosecuting witness, they decided that they could not go forward with the trial.". But we, you know, started poking around. It's a tale of three men who evaded police for years, how investigators say they came together to commit a chilling murderand how prosecutors unraveled the case. Controlled drug buys. Neither thought they'd survive the night. [39], In 2018, Bickett and Boone, a CBD company based in Marion County became the first CBD company to produce hemp to make CBD products grown by original members of the Cornbread Mafia. While listening to wiretapped conversations between Rodriguez, the accuseddrug lord, and his alleged right-hand man,Castle, investigators say they learned of Cater's role astheir muscle. They sayCastle played a major role in the drug ring including following Rodriguez'sorder to hireCaterto commit two murders. According to a statement from LMPD, the two agencies confiscated 8.5 kilos of suspected fentanyl and approximately 20,000-30,000 suspected pressed fentanyl pills from a storage unit. Breonna Taylor, 26, was killed on March 13, 2020 by officers executing a so-called no-knock warrant. Two men wouldgo to the front, two to the side, others to the back of the house, with the lookoutscanning the perimeter from the getaway car. Published: 7:18 PM EDT March 14, 2022 Updated: 7:58 PM EDT March 14, 2022 LOUISVILLE, Ky. Police have seized a massive amount of drugs and cash that led to a Bardstown man's arrest over the.
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