Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against Louisville Man for Fentanyl Distribution Charges

Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on June 6, 2023, charging a Louisville man with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.    

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, and U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division made the announcement.

According to the indictment, beginning in October 2022, and continuing through May 24, 2023, Markus Stillwell, 34, conspired to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, to include 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. Additionally, on May 24, 2023, Stillwell possessed with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

Stillwell was previously charged by federal complaint and remains in federal custody. Yesterday, he made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is being investigated by HSI Louisville and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting this case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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