Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
A federal judge has sentenced Michael Bailey, 38, of Spring City, Tennessee, to 25 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation across Tennessee. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren.
The investigation began in 2020 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force looked into methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution by Aryan Nation members and associates in Western Tennessee. Through controlled narcotic purchases, search warrants, and other methods, authorities identified Bailey and others as responsible for distributing these drugs throughout the state. Approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.5 pounds of powder fentanyl, and 18 firearms were seized during the investigation.
Bailey was convicted on September 6, 2024, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. On March 18, 2025, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced him to 25 years in federal prison with five years of supervised release afterward. The federal system does not allow parole.
Bailey is the last co-defendant sentenced in this drug trafficking case. The following co-conspirators pleaded guilty and received sentences from Judge Anderson:
- Gregory Fleenor, Kingsport: 300 months imprisonment plus five years supervised release
- James Payne, Puryear: 100 months imprisonment plus five years supervised release
- Rose Rhear, Spring City: 144 months imprisonment plus five years supervised release
- Rebecca Lustre, Crossville: 36 months imprisonment plus three years supervised release
- Jeffrey Watts, Bradford: 150 months imprisonment plus five years supervised release
- Brian Kennon, Paris: 180 months imprisonment plus five years supervised release
- Timothy Miller, Greenfield: 60 months imprisonment plus three years supervised release
The FBI Nashville's Jackson Resident Agency and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren expressed gratitude towards Assistant United States Attorneys Christie Hopper and Immanuel Chioco for prosecuting the case along with law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.
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