Four Individuals Indicted For Distribution Of Fentanyl

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A federal grand jury has indicted four individuals for drug crimes related to the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl.  Gadiel Ortiz-Flores, age 39, of Lawrenceburg, Ky., Brian Walker Hensley, age 38, also of Lawrenceburg, Ky., Miguel Alberto Esparza, age 29, of Lexington, and Megan Nicole Slone, age 24, also of Lexington, were indicted yesterday for both conspiracy and distribution offenses related to fentanyl.  Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, which is as much as 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 25 to 100 times more potent than heroin.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in August 2017 and continuing through December 5, 2017, the four named defendants conspired to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl in Fayette and Anderson counties.  The indictment further alleges distribution of fentanyl in Fayette County, on specific dates in August, September, and November 2017.  Finally, the indictment charges each of the defendants with possessing 400 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Chris Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, jointly announced the return of the indictment.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the DEA and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.  The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Bradbury.

Appearances for the defendants, before the United States District Court, have not yet been set.  If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.  However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the Court, after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.

            An indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial, at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.