A federal investigation has led to the sentencing of 29 individuals to a combined 378 years in prison for operating a large-scale methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking ring in Southern Indiana. Between 2020 and 2021, the group distributed nearly 500 pounds of meth and three kilograms of fentanyl, with authorities seizing over 80 pounds of meth, 560 grams of fentanyl, $240,000 in cash, and more than 30 firearms during the investigation. Jeramey Smith, identified as the ringleader, sourced drugs from a Mexican cartel-linked supplier and used violence and intimidation to maintain control. His operation also included fentanyl-laced pills produced with an automated pill press. The defendants include 37-year-old Julie Hunt of Petersburg and 40-year-old Keisha Jewell, 49-year-old Denny Taylor, and 42-year-old Aaron Hardiman, all from Princeton.
