"It just proves," Brenda told me as she left the newsroom, "how ruthless these (cartel . Follow him on Twitter: @KentuckyRAG. 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. 15 Indiana 90-68, Boil water advisory issued for east Jefferson County, northern Shelby County, Louisville family says son's accused killer pleading guilty to manslaughter is 'not enough', 'Symptoms of the larger problem' | UofL students demand change during protest for transgender rights, BOZICH | Not the Senior Night that Louisville basketball expected. This time it's the case of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician who was killed by the police in her home in Louisville, Kentucky, during a narcotics bust in the early hours of March 13. A few months after Adam's death, the Cooleys met Warren for lunch. During the investigation and prosecution of this drug trafficking organization, more than 20 assault style rifles, 37 kilos of cocaine, and $4 million cash were seized and presented as evidence. Officers from LMPD's Narcotics Unit made the bust Thursday night on Dandor Road near Breckenridge Lane. This closes the book on one of the most significant drug trafficking organizations in the Louisville area. As part of the investigation, police found a stolen vehicle, over $160,000 in cash, one kilogram of cocaine, meth and multiple firearms. It all grew from there.". But our ambitious and in-depth reporting shows El Mencho's CJNG cartel was, by far, the dominant provider of that wretched poison at that time in Kentucky. Various members of the conspiracy are also charged with additional firearms and drug charges. One of Louisville's 'most violent' drug gangs has been taken down, feds say. At other times, the detectives and prosecutors may wait to see what else they can find out about the people allegedly distributing the drugs. "That he could break the cycle that had such a powerful hold on him. These arrests follow a drug investigation by Kentucky State Police that began 18 months ago. Oldham County, Bullitt County, ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. In early 2019, she and her editors, Kristina Goetz and Veda Morgan, returned to me with a name I had never heard before: "We think a Mexican cartel leader by the name of El Mencho is behind this.". All rights reserved. Bowling Green: (270) 781-4438
The indictment follows a criminal complaint previously filed in federal court against Eric Mosley. Paducah:(270) 442-7104. I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of the FBI, ATF, IRS, and LMPD in this case, stated Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. They're a Louisville couple whose 27-year-old son, Adam, had wrestled with drug addiction for six years. LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A multi-year, multi-agency effort targeting violent crime in Louisville has resulted in a significant number of arrests and federal charges for the armed distribution of deadly drugs including fentanyl in the city, announced United States Attorney Russell Coleman. The arrests were part of the conclusion of the. Scattered storms (a few could be severe), mainly in Kentucky. It was Warren, however, who spearheaded the investigation. Drug stash large enough to kill 4 million people seized in Louisville At least 8.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 20,000 to 30,000 suspected fentanyl pills were confiscated during an LMPD/DEA search on a storage unit on May 16. The following people are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances, including meth, fentanyl, cocaine and heroin: Some of the individuals are also facing other gun and drug charges. They were arrested last week, more than two months after Arbery died; they face charges of murder and aggravated assault. This time it's the case of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician who was killed by the police in her home in Louisville, Kentucky, during a narcotics bust in the early hours of March 13. Investigators said the Everybody Shines Together gang was one theyve been working to cut off for quite some time at a press conference Wednesday. I didn't know, so I started asking about the suppliers who are selling to local dealers. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Scott Davis and Robert B. Bonar and was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Louisville Division Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division, and Metro Louisville Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and the Indiana and Kentucky State Police. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Kentucky, Last Defendant Sentenced In Largest Jefferson County Drug Trafficking Organization, 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, 12 Defendants from 4 States Charged in Federal Methamphetamine Conspiracy. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justices violent crime reduction efforts. 10 charged in Louisville drug trafficking organization bust, Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap, Jude Redfield's Wednesday morning forecast, Beloved nun, devout basketball fan 'Sister Jean' picks UK to win NCAA men's tournament, CRAWFORD | At least that's over: Louisville closes out home schedule with another loss, Murray scores 26 to lead Iowa past No. The FBI said it will continue to focus on taking whole groups off the street at once, target drugs, guns, and other violent crimes. However, I know from the 25+ years of experience Ive had representing clients across the state of Kentucky. Police Chief Steve Conrad said that the police department's Criminal Interdiction Squad, which was involved in the shooting, does not use body cameras, so there's no footage of the incident, according to the Courier Journal. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Its three-part "Everyday Americans" series followedour reporters as we told the heartbreaking tales of addiction and inspiringstories of recoveryin our commonwealth. Louisville, KY 40202, Louisville: (502) 582-5911
After a March 2019 meeting with Drug Enforcement Administration officials in Louisville, we had a better understanding of CJNG's ambitions to be the world's biggest supplier of meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. Adam Wade Cooley died March 10, 2017 just hours before he was to enter the facility. as well as other partner offers and accept our. All rights reserved. According to local reports, the detectives spent three (3) months investigating the situation before they made 10 arrests with the help of Kentucky State Police and officers from the city of London, Kentucky. I know my record, and yes, Im proud of it. If there is an enemy among us, in Kentucky and at least 34 other states, all signs are pointing to El Mencho. But, so too does our unflinching commitment to invest significant resources whenneeded to tell stories that are important to our readers and the communities we serve in Kentucky or around the country. LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kerry Dickerson of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced this week to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Senior Judge Charles R. Simpson III. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. New devices, new social media giants and new habits by digital-loving readers have forced us to change. A Change.org petition seeking justice for Taylor had amassed over 11,000 signatures as of Tuesday evening. Through public records and interviews, Warren confirmed that CJNG is or has been operating in 35 states including Kentucky. The conspiracy began in August 2007 and ran through May 10, 2010. Kerry Dickerson of Louisville, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison this week, by Judge Simpson, for his role in the syndicates sale and distribution of cocaine. We dont want to take off one or two individuals at a time, we want to make a bigger impact by taking off the whole group, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Jones said. "To those gang members who continue to operate with a blatant disregard for your fellow citizens, know that we are working tirelessly to identify, investigate, and apprehend you and your associates.". Just before Christmas 2018, investigative reporter Beth Warren introduced me to Karl and Brenda Cooley. FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - Floyd County Sheriffs Office K9 Drago led deputies to their largest heroin bust to date. If these people are funding the violence on the street as well as committing it, when the funding for that violence drives up the incentive for others is diminished, MPD Major Aaron Crowell said. They explained how the fast-growing cartel had disrupted lives south of the border, often through violence, as it propelled its drug operations into America. Floyd County Sheriffs Office K9 leads deputies to largest heroin bust to date, You will have to shoot me Suspect fights with deputy during arrest, Kentucky woman arrested after pointing gun at police, Laurel County woman threatens to kill deputy during arrest, Grammy award winning rock group coming to Ashland in May, KY gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron releases plan for educational framework, Country superstar Trace Adkins coming to Pikeville for Hillbilly Days concert, Large amount of drugs and cash found during two day investigation, Stolen cars recovered by police in two EKY counties. El Mencho is the alias for Rubn Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of something called theCrtel Jalisco Nueva Generacin, better known as CJNG. Three of the suspects, Jones, Summers, and Reed, remain on the run. This is when and where corners get cut and rights get violated. If you believe youre under investigation, you need to speak with a serious criminal defense attorney with specific experience in the area of law that applies to your situation. No editor has been more proud of his team's dedication to telling such an important story than I am. 2019 by Timothy Denison. Its 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. While the investigation does remain ongoing, this serves as a reminder that the diligent work of officers saves lives every day, the police department wrote on its social media page. "She had no drugs. Why would a Kentucky newsroom 2,000 miles from the headquarters of a ruthless Mexican drug lord named "El Mencho" spendnine months; commit 21 staffers; travel to Mexico, 15 American cities and five states; and produce nine stories,10 videos and one long-form documentaryto tell the story of his fast-growing and violent cartel? Palmer recalled that the police were tight-lipped, seeking information on Taylor's enemies and whether she was having issues with Walker. Police say the. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) - Authorities in Louisville are investigating a drug bust where officials said they found enough narcotics to wipe out the entire city of Los Angeles. A large "WANTED" poster of El Mencho, and the $10 million reward that's on his head, is front and center. All rights reserved. Palmer said she struggled to reconcile her concern for her daughter's safety while she was working on the front lines of the pandemic with her death in her own home. Instead, "Adam had one last fling" with drugs the night before their departure, Karl said. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. At least 8.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 20,000 to 30,000 suspected fentanyl pills were confiscated during an LMPD/DEA search on a storage unit on May 16. "I think they shot Breonna," Walker told her, prompting Palmer to throw on some clothes and race out of her house for Taylor's apartment. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - There were enough drugs found in a Louisville storage unit to wipe out the entire city of Los Angeles following a long-term investigation by the Louisville Metro Police Department and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. According to a statement from LMPD, the two agencies confiscated 8.5 kilos of suspected fentanyl and approximately 20,000-30,000 suspected pressed . Bardstown, Hardin County, Shelby County. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. "It just proves," Brenda told me as she left the newsroom, "how ruthless these (cartel members)are.". Serving These Areas. Having accused the officers of wrongful death, excessive force, and gross negligence, Taylor's family on Monday enlisted the help of Benjamin Crump, a well-known civil-rights and personal-injury attorney. It's no secret that traditional media sites such as The Courier Journal have faced stiff economic headwinds over the past decade. KSP: 14 people arrested in Leslie County drug bust, seven people wanted, Weekday broadcast of WYMT Mountain News at 11, You will have to shoot me Suspect fights with deputy during arrest, Kentucky woman arrested after pointing gun at police, Laurel County woman threatens to kill deputy during arrest. Who is El Mencho, the most powerful drug kingpin in the world? One way or another, were going to get a handle on gang activity in LMPD, said Shields. Adam was one of Kentucky's 1,566 overdose deaths in 2017. All rights reserved. . An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Louisville, Shelbyville, Elizabethtown, A locked padlock Officers find enough fentanyl to kill 4 million people in drug bust, officials say, Georgia defensive lineman charged in connection to Jan. 15 fatal crash, TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Back-to-back storms pummel California, West Coast, Biden to help mark Department of Homeland Securitys 20th anniversary, Contaminated: The Fentanyl Crisis in St. Louis. Western District of Kentucky
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. There are many top-notch defense attorneys. Main Office:
PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Most importantly, not all of the charges will be warranted. . Stay up to date with what you want to know. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Kentucky, Federal Grand Jury Indicts Members and Associates of Alleged Louisville Drug Trafficking Organization, 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, 12 Defendants from 4 States Charged in Federal Methamphetamine Conspiracy. If convicted, they each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. Just because a lawyer handles a few traffic tickets and some miscellaneous misdemeanor cases, doesnt mean he/she is equipped to go the distance when serious, federal charges are involved. 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. Louisville, KY (40203) Today. The lawsuit said that he was detained more than 10 miles from Taylor's house and that officers identified Glover before executing the search warrant at Taylor's house, where they didn't find any drugs. These recent busts are just the beginning. All 26 defendants either pleaded guilty to charges or were found guilty at trial. Violence is what makes a gang legitimate, and what theyre describing here, the narcotics, that funds the mission of violence, said LMPD Chief Erika Shields. Brothers Eric and Ricos Mosley, who are among several people indicted in the bust, are part of a company they established with Gee, bearing the same name as the gang. It wastargeting unsuspecting communities coast to coast, places off the beaten path from the major drug hubs and border cities that most of us know about. August 21, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 . When they get sloppy, just so a seedy politician can get a few minutes on the local news, thats not justice. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. She committed no crime. Copyright 2021 WYMT. The gang members arrested last week have terrorized our communities for far too long, but they will be held accountable for their actions," FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen said. But a defense attorney for Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, said in a court filing that the police didn't announce themselves while entering, so Walker thought someone was breaking into the apartment. Have a question about Government Services? She had to go to work," Palmer said The 19th. Palmer drove from the apartment to the hospital and back to the apartment in search of information about her child only to realize that Taylor had died. 60 people were arrested in Kentucky after a United States Drug Enforcement Administration drug bust of more than 800 pounds of methamphetamine. "She was an essential worker. Zaman Taylor, Devonzo Summers, and Barry Reed are each charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Our investigation revealed that in some cases CJNG associates would buy homes or rent apartments and create "cells," living in the neighborhoods sometimes not far from schools, stores and churches where they trafficked tons of illegal drugs. However, just because the authorities have time on their side, it doesnt mean theyre going to use it properly. It also means I work to hold the police, detectives, agents and prosecutors accountable for their conduct. 36-year-old Amanda Barrett of Stinnett, 28-year-old Nicholas Begley of Hyden. (Facebook: LMPD) By Shellie Sylvestri Published: May. She spent months tugging at the threads of this story until El Mencho's secrets unraveled. BBC Radio also came to Louisville a year ago to profile howThe Courier Journalwas covering the opioid crisis. 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. Virtually every county in Kentucky is dealing with drug epidemics. Complaint previously filed in federal court against Eric Mosley this closes the book on one of Kentucky, websites! Hold the police were tight-lipped, seeking information on Taylor 's enemies and whether was! Three-Part `` Everyday Americans '' series followedour reporters as we told the heartbreaking tales addiction! 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