A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on July 22 charging seven individuals with conspiring to distribute controlled substances and one individual with firearm- and methamphetamine-related charges, following a lengthy investigation by the Louisville Homeland Security Task Force. Six of the defendants have been arrested, authorities announced on July 24.
According to the indictment, Michael Morris, Lajuan Sanders, James Moorman, Wayne Allen, Miriam Thompson-Morris, Gary Ross and Jeffery Roberson were charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine between April 13 and July 22 in Jefferson County. James Moorman also faces charges related to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment details Moorman’s prior felony convictions dating back to 1990 for offenses including trafficking in controlled substances and illegal possession of firearms.
Six defendants appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on July 29; Roberson is scheduled for a later appearance. If convicted, Moorman faces between 20 years and life in prison; the other six face sentences ranging from five to forty years. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge considering statutory factors.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said, “The Louisville Homeland Security Task Force is a national model for interagency cooperation and productivity. Agents from multiple federal agencies working seamlessly with the Louisville Metro Police Department are constantly working long-term investigations against significant drug trafficking organizations for the betterment of our community. It is truly an honor to announce this important indictment and commend the success of our law enforcement partners.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott said, “The DEA…remains committed to pursuing those who profit from trafficking dangerous drugs while fueling violence in our communities…your days are numbered.” ATF Special Agent John Nokes stated that his agency would continue efforts against violent offenders through collaboration on the task force.
The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) was established by Executive Order 14159 as part of efforts aimed at eliminating criminal cartels and transnational criminal organizations operating within U.S. borders. HSTF Louisville includes agents from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF and IRS; prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Porter and Frank E. Dahl III with paralegal support from Adela Alic.
An indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky serves about 2.2 million residents across 53 counties—including military installations at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell—prosecutes federal crimes such as these indictments using facilities like the Gene Snyder Courthouse in Louisville as well as courthouses in Owensboro, Bowling Green and Paducah as part of its mission within the United States Department of Justice, according to its official website.