LEXINGTON — A federal grand jury has indicted six people on charges alleging a wide-ranging methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking operation that spanned multiple Central and Eastern Kentucky counties and involved repeated drug sales, firearms, and efforts to forfeit cash, vehicles, and real estate tied to the alleged crimes.
The indictment, returned Dec. 18 in U.S. District Court in Lexington, accuses Jeremiah S. Hix, Bobby Osborne, Devan N. Willoughby, Tonya Lynch, Elizabeth Harrison, and Cornelius Vargas of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl between at least August 2024 and February 2025, according to court records. All six face felony charges, and authorities issued arrest warrants the same day the indictment was filed.
Prosecutors allege the group worked together to sell measurable amounts of methamphetamine, including multiple transactions involving five grams or more, as well as fentanyl. The alleged conspiracy operated in Bourbon, Clark, Estill, Madison, and Montgomery counties, among other locations.
Hix faces charges of conspiracy, two counts of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges some drug quantities tied to him involved 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a threshold that significantly increases potential prison time if convicted.
Osborne is charged with conspiracy and multiple counts of distributing methamphetamine, including one count involving five grams or more, along with a separate fentanyl distribution charge. Willoughby faces conspiracy charges and two counts of methamphetamine distribution.
Lynch faces the most extensive list of charges. Prosecutors allege she took part in the conspiracy, carried out several methamphetamine sales, including transactions involving 50 grams or more, possessed drugs with intent to distribute, and illegally possessed firearms despite prior felony convictions. One charge alleges she carried a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory prison sentence if proven.
Harrison is charged only with participating in the conspiracy, while Vargas faces conspiracy charges and a separate count of distributing fentanyl.
The indictment outlines prior felony drug convictions for several defendants, including Hix, Osborne, Lynch, and Vargas. Prosecutors say those convictions bar them from legally possessing firearms and expose them to enhanced penalties.
In Lynch’s case, prosecutors allege she possessed specific handguns during drug trafficking activity. Hix is accused of possessing a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol after a prior felony conviction.
Federal prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of property they allege was used to facilitate the drug trafficking or represents proceeds from illegal sales. The forfeiture list includes a residence on Ferry Road in Irvine, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, and $1,181 in cash seized from Osborne, among other items.
If the government cannot recover the listed assets, the indictment seeks substitute property of equal value.
If convicted, the defendants could face decades in federal prison, depending on drug quantities, prior convictions, and firearm findings. Some charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, including five-year minimums that must be served consecutively for firearm offenses tied to drug trafficking. Fines could reach millions of dollars, followed by supervised release after any prison term.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, with Magistrate Judge Matthew A. Stinnett handling initial proceedings. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman is leading the prosecution.
Court records show none of the defendants had entered pleas as of the indictment’s filing. Federal cases typically move next to initial appearances and detention hearings before any plea negotiations or trial scheduling.
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