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Press Release

15 Suspects Indicted In West Tennessee On Federal Distribution Of Illegal Prescription Drug Violations

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Tennessee
 

Jackson, Tenn. –Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging 15 suspects with federal drug trafficking violations. The suspects were arrested early today during a round-up conducted by federal (the DEA and U.S. Marshals Service), state (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Tennessee Highway Patrol), and local law enforcement agencies (Tipton County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Madison County Metro Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Police Department Gang Unit).

The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Jackson February 24, 2015, but remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

The suspects arrested during the operation were:

• Bryon Stevens, age 39, (already in state custody) • Anita Stevens, age 60, of Haywood County • Sandy Stevens, age 37, (already in state custody) • Helen Jackson, age 48, of Haywood County • Debra Harris, age 49, of Haywood County • Martha Taylor, age 53, of Haywood County • Edward Lynn Martin, age 47, of Haywood County • Helen Cole, age 67, of Haywood County • Bobby Joe Tyus, age 60, of Haywood County • Alice Marie Martin, age 45, of Haywood County • Cheryl Austin, age 56, (already in state custody) • Bobby Joe Perry, age 51, of Haywood County • Grant Hendrix, age 28, of Haywood County • Lauren Turner, age 34, of Haywood County • William “Baldy” Taylor, age 59, of Lauderdale County

The charges in the indictments stem from an illegal conspiracy to sell and distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax and buprenorphine. Several of the defendants were also charged with intentionally acquiring or obtaining possession of the same controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge.

The case was investigated by members of the DEA, Nashville District Office, Tactical Diversion Squad; Tipton County Sheriff’s Department; 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force; Jackson Madison County Narcotics Task Force; Lauderdale County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department; Lauderdale County, Alabama Drug Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Boswell on behalf of the government.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Updated April 21, 2015