FEDS TARGET OWENSBORO SURGE, 8 CHARGED
An ongoing promise from federal law enforcement to be better partners outside of the Louisville region has led to the indictment of eight individuals in Owensboro, Kentucky.
The charges are part of a federal grand jury’s decision to target individuals involved in firearms violations and the possession and distribution of drugs.
U.S. Attorney Russell M. Coleman announced the indictments in a press conference, citing a surge in violence in the Owensboro region. According to Owensboro Police Department statistics, patrol officers responded to 126 shots fired calls between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018.
‘As a guy who spent his early years in Thruston out near Yellow Creek, I know what a wonderful community this is; federal law enforcement is committed to being active partners in helping to protect it,’ said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
The indictments were developed through partnerships with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Owensboro Police Department and the ATF. The charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The eight defendants charged in this surge include:
Joseph L. Howell, age 32, of Owensboro, Kentucky, who is charged in a three-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; use of/carrying a Taurus, model 709 Slim, 9 millimeter semiautomatic pistol during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Howell was previously convicted of first-degree trafficking in methamphetamine in 2015, and convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine and tampering with physical evidence (two counts), each a felony in 2012.
Larry Andrew Barnett, age 31, of Owensboro, Kentucky, who is charged in a one-count indictment of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a Marlin, Model T95, .22LR semiautomatic rifle. Barnett was previously convicted of Wanton Endangerment in the first degree, a felony, in 2018.
Jeremy L. Morrow, age 27, of Owensboro, Kentucky, who is charged in a one-count indictment of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a Hi-Point, Model C9, 9 millimeter semiautomatic pistol. Morrow was previously convicted of Second-Degree Robbery, a felony.
Related Federal Cases
- Tyrone D. Trumbo Jr., Alleged Drug Trafficking, Kentucky, 2023 · North Carolina
- Chauncey D. Dennis, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Cleveland OH, 2014 · Illinois
- Johnny Jones, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Michigan 2024 · Pennsylvania
- Danny Neal Stokes, Methamphetamine Distribution, Kentucky 2024 · Washington
- Richard Alexander Murdaugh, Drug Trafficking, Charleston SC, 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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