Final Member of Tennessee Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Sentenced

Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Michael Bailey, 38, of Spring City, Tennessee, to 25 years in federal prison for his role in an organized drug trafficking scheme that spanned the state of Tennessee. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the sentence today.

According to evidence presented in court, in 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 24^th Judicial District Drug Task Force began an investigation into the illegal distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl by members and associates of the Aryan Nation in the Western District of Tennessee. By using controlled purchases of narcotics, search warrants, and other investigative tactics, agents determined Bailey and others were responsible for transporting and distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Tennessee. During the investigation, agents seized approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.5 pounds of powder fentanyl, and 18 firearms.

On September 6, 2024, Bailey was convicted at trial for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. On March 18, 2025, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Bailey to 25 years in federal prison and ordered Bailey to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Bailey was the final co-defendant to be sentenced in this drug trafficking conspiracy. Each of the following co-conspirators pled guilty and were sentenced by Judge Anderson as follows:           

• Gregory Fleenor, 44, of Kingsport, TN: 300 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release
• James Payne, 41, of Puryear, TN: 100 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release
• Rose Rhear, 58, of Spring City, TN: 144 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release
• Rebecca Lustre, 41, of Crossville, TN: 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release
• Jeffrey Watts, 40, of Bradford, TN: 150 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release
• Brian Kennon, 49, of Paris, TN: 180 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release
• Timothy Miller, 61, of Greenfield, TN: 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release

The case was investigated by the FBI Nashville, Jackson Resident Agency and the 24^th Judicial District Drug Task Force.

Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Christie Hopper and Immanuel Chioco, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.   

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