James Shultz, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Indiana 2018

EVANSVILLE – In a federal court hearing that shed light on the dark underbelly of the methamphetamine trade, James Shultz, a 37-year-old Louisville, Ky., resident, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Shultz’s codefendant, Sheena Garrett, 35, of Henderson, Ky., received a 12-year sentence on January 5, 2021, for her role in the same conspiracy.

According to court documents, from January through September 2018, Shultz and Garrett conspired to distribute more than 4.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Shultz regularly supplied three to six pounds of methamphetamine at a time to Garrett, who distributed the illicit substance in Evansville, Henderson, and surrounding areas.

On September 1, 2018, Shultz was stopped by law enforcement officers on I-69 in Vanderburgh County for a traffic violation. A drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading officers to search the vehicle and seize approximately 1,425 grams of methamphetamine and a large amount of U.S. currency. In his guilty plea, Shultz admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to Garrett for further distribution.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley, who prosecuted the case. ‘The sentences imposed today reflect the severity of the crimes committed by Shultz and Garrett,’ Myers said.

The investigation into the methamphetamine trafficking ring was led by the DEA and the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force (EVCDTF). The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young following the defendants’ guilty pleas. As part of the sentences, Judge Young ordered that Shultz and Garrett each be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years, following their release from prison.

The sentencing of Shultz and Garrett serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of methamphetamine on our communities. The Grimy Times will continue to shine a light on the individuals and organizations responsible for fueling this crisis.

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