LEXINGTON — A federal grand jury has indicted six people on charges alleging a wide-ranging methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking operation that stretched across multiple Central and Eastern Kentucky counties and involved repeated drug sales, firearms, and plans to forfeit cash, vehicles and re al 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 arrest warrants were issued 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, a synthetic opioid blamed for a surge in overdose deaths across Kentucky. The conspiracy is alleged to have operated in Bourbon, Clark, Estill, Madison and Montgomery counties, among other locations. Hix is charged with conspiracy, two counts of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that some of the drug quantities attributed to him involved 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a threshold that significantly increases potential prison time if convicted. Osborne faces conspiracy charges along with multiple counts of distributing methamphetamine, including one count involving five grams or more, and a separate count alleging fentanyl distribution. Willoughby is charged with conspiracy and two methamphetamine distribution counts. Lynch faces the most extensive list of charges. Prosecutors allege she participated 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 drug conspiracy, while Vargas is charged with conspiracy and a separate fentanyl distribution count. The indictment details prior felony drug convictions for several defendants, including Hix, Osborne, Lynch and Vargas, which prosecutors say bar them from legally possessing firearms and also expose them to enhanced penalties. In Lynch’s case, the indictment alleges she possessed specific handguns during drug trafficking activity, while Hix is accused of possessing a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol after a prior felony conviction. Federal prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of property they say was used to facilitate the alleged drug trafficking or represents proceeds of illegal sales. The forfeiture allegations list a residence on Ferry Road in Irvine, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, and 1,181 dollars 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 connected to drug trafficking. Fines could reach into the millions of dollars, and supervised release would follow any prison term. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, with Magistrate Judge Matthew A. Stinnett handling initial proceedings. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman. Court records show no defendants had entered pleas as of the indictment’s filing. Federal cases typically proceed first through initial appearances and detention hearings before any plea negotiations or trial scheduling occurs. The post Six indicted in Eastern Kentucky meth and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less