04/20/2022
ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIME
Agents with the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force identified several individuals in connection with bringing Fentanyl into Simpson County, Kentucky. Agents saw an increase in overdoses related to fentanyl in the past year and identified a purple substance that was found to be fentanyl was the cause. Agents contacted other agencies in reference to the purple fentanyl and found the source was most likely coming out of Tennessee. Agents began investigating individuals that were bringing the fentanyl into Simpson County. Agents identified one of the dealers of fentanyl as Shelby Simmons (37 of Franklin, Ky) Simmons was selling the purple fentanyl as well as methamphetamine. Agents identified several other individuals that were involved in trafficking and importing fentanyl into Simpson County. The individuals were identified as Jonathan Vaughn (32 of Franklin), Halbert Warden (51 of Franklin), Gary Denning (67 of Franklin), Pamela Sanabria (63 of Westmoreland, TN), and Lloyd Fields (36 of Russellville). These individuals were in contact with each other and were responsible for bringing the fentanyl into Kentucky. Agents were able to identify the subjects were traveling to different parts of Tennessee and purchasing different amounts of fentanyl and then bringing it back to Kentucky to sell. Agents identified who was bringing the fentanyl into Kentucky, how they were bringing it and the main suppliers in Tennessee. Agents conducted this investigation over several months and seized enough fentanyl to kill an estimated 8,000 people. Agents presented the case to the Simpson County Grand Jury and came back with indictments.
Simmons was charged with: Engaging in organized crime, persistent felony offender, Trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st offense (fentanyl) (3 counts), Trafficking a controlled substance within a 1,000 feet of a school (3 counts), Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense (less than two grams of methamphetamine), Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense (equal to or greater than two grams of methamphetamine) (2 counts), Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, Importing fentanyl, Trafficking in a controlled substance, 3rd degree, 1st offense, Possession of marijuana, and Drug paraphernalia.
Warden was charged with: Engaging in organized crime, persistent felony offender, Trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st offense (fentanyl), Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense (equal to or greater than two grams of methamphetamine), Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, Trafficking a controlled substance within a 1,000 feet of a school, Improper turning, Disregard traffic control device, careless driving, Wanton endangerment 1st degree (Police Officer), and Fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (motor vehicle).
Denning was charged with: Engaging in organized crime, Possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (Fentanyl) (2 Counts), Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense (equal to or greater than two grams of methamphetamine), Trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st offense (fentanyl), and Importing fentanyl.
Vaughn was charged with: Engaging in organized crime, Persistent felony offender, Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense (equal to or greater than two grams of methamphetamine), No insurance on vehicle, Disregard stop sign, Reckless driving, Trafficking in marijuana, less than 8 ounces, Possession of a controlled substance 1st offense (Fentanyl), Drug Paraphernalia, Fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (Motor vehicle), Fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (on foot), Driving on a DUI suspended license, Wanton endangerment, and No registration plates.
Sanabria was charged with: Engaging in organized crime, Failure to wear seat belts, Possession of a controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense (Fentanyl), and Drug paraphernalia.
Fields was charged with: Engaging in organized crime.
Assisting Agencies: Appalachia HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas), Franklin Police Department, Simpson County Sheriff's Office, and DEA Nashville.