Eleven Indicted In Heroin And Cocaine Distribution Ring

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Dec. 16, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against 11 individuals for conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Those indicted include:

Jerome Boone, 58, of Long Island, N.Y.; David Mayes, 57, of Blount County, Tenn.; Robert Cannon, 53, of Blount County, Tenn.; Jenni Fair, 40, of Blount County, Tenn.; Oliver Hicks, 46, of Blount County, Tenn.; Ladonald Hodge, 52, of Blount County, Tenn.; Joshua Kruse, 35, of Blount County, Tenn.; Joshua Millward, 41, of Blount County, Tenn.; Loretta Templeton, 49, of Blount County, Tenn.; William Templeton, 52, of Blount Count, Tenn.; and Gordon Yearwood, 56, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

All have been arrested and appeared in U.S. District Court. All except Gordon Yearwood have been held without bond pending trial set for Feb. 10, 2015, before the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, U.S. District Judge.

If convicted, each faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, any applicable forfeiture, and a $100 special assessment.

The indictment and supporting documentation are on file with the U.S. District Court in Knoxville, alleges that the conspiracy occurred between January and December 2014.

These arrest and charges are the result of an investigation by the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, which consists of officers and investigators from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Maryville Police Department and Alcoa Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Davidson will represent the United States.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.