LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — A federal grand jury has returned two indictments charging nine Louisville residents and one Detroit resident in a large drug-trafficking investigation spanning Kentucky and Michigan.
Federal authorities said the months-long investigation led to the arrest of 10 people accused of participating in a drug trafficking ring. On Jan. 10, law enforcement agencies executed 15 coordinated search warrants at multiple homes in Louisville and Detroit.
During the searches, investigators seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, along with at least a dozen firearms. Officials said five of the recovered guns were stolen, four of them during vehicle break-ins in Louisville.
ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes said Crime Gun Intelligence and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) helped identify key areas of concern. The database showed 31 ballistic “hits” tied to neighborhoods where suspects allegedly operated, along with eight non-fatal shootings and one homicide.
Six defendants — Reginald Forsythe, Damon Lewis, Timothy McAtee, James Henderson and Crystal Adams of Louisville, and Aiyisha Daniels of Detroit — are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. Forsythe also faces a money laundering charge. The alleged conspiracy occurred between Sept. 3, 2024, and Jan. 7, 2026.
In a separate indictment, Isaiah Washington, Chelsea Brown and James Leffler, all of Louisville, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Louisville Metro Police Deputy Chief Emily McKinley said the arrests highlight continued efforts to remove illegal guns and drugs from the streets and improve public safety.
If convicted, all defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge. U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said his office is aggressively prosecuting violent crime, noting a 50% increase in indictments in 2025 and emphasizing that there is no parole in the federal system.
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