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James Fithen, Meth Conspiracy, West Plains MO, 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – James W. Fithen, Jr., a 38-year-old man known on the streets as “Boss,” is facing 28 years in federal prison after being convicted of running a massive methamphetamine operation that flooded southern Missouri with drugs for three years. Fithen, of West Plains, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips and ordered to pay a staggering $3.6 million – a conservative estimate of his profits from the illicit trade.
The scope of the operation is chilling. From February 28, 2017, to February 28, 2020, Fithen’s network distributed a horrifying 360 kilograms of methamphetamine. To put that into perspective, authorities say that’s enough to provide four doses to *every single resident* of West Plains, Missouri, a town of roughly 12,000. Fithen sourced the drugs from Mexico, funneling kilogram quantities to his lieutenants, Patrick A. Dodson, 42, of West Plains, also known as “Julio,” and Samuel L. Pyatt, 47, of Pomona, Mo., nicknamed “Tippy.” Dodson and Pyatt then pushed the meth onto the streets.
Federal agents caught up with Fithen on February 28, 2020, as he returned from a drug run in Texas. A search of the vehicle revealed 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine stashed in the backseat. Law enforcement ultimately seized over 4.5 kilograms linked to the Fithen organization. The operation was lucrative, moving between 10 and 20 kilograms of meth monthly, raking in approximately $100,000 in profit each month. But the trade wasn’t just about money; it was about control. Court documents reveal Fithen even ordered a hit on co-defendant Christopher L. Dusenbury, 32, of Bowling Green, Mo., after Dusenbury allegedly stole seven pounds of methamphetamine from him.
The impact on West Plains was stark. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Howell County, where West Plains is located, saw a dramatic surge in crime. Reported offenses jumped from 244 in 2016 to a shocking 471 by 2020 – nearly double. While correlation doesn’t equal causation, the timing strongly suggests a direct link to the influx of methamphetamine and the associated violence and property crimes. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about shattered lives and a community struggling under the weight of addiction.
Fithen isn’t the only one facing serious time. Dodson was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole. Pyatt received 20 years. Dusenbury got 11 years and three months. Megan L. Neal, 39, also of West Plains, known as “Squirrel,” is facing 23 years. Bradley J. Russell, 58, of West Plains, received 15 years. Bolinda J. Gleghorn, 60, of West Plains, will serve nine years. Kevin L. Moss, 49, of West Plains, was sentenced to eight years and four months. Barbra L. Newton, 44, of West Plains, will spend six years behind bars. Brady T. Smith, 27, of West Plains, received six years. And Austin L. Velarde, 27, of West Plains, is looking at five years in prison.
Fithen’s sentencing marks the twelfth conviction in this case, signaling a significant blow to a major drug trafficking network in southern Missouri. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Teresa A. Moore, continues to dismantle these operations, but the fight against methamphetamine and its devastating consequences remains a long and arduous battle.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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