A federal grand jury in Bowling Green has returned four indictments against five individuals, including one woman, for methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, alongside officials from various law enforcement agencies.
The first indictment charges Steven Marruquin, 52, of Henderson, Kentucky, with multiple counts related to distributing and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, Marruquin faces charges for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and as a convicted felon. Brandy Powell, 46, also from Henderson, is charged alongside Marruquin for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Kane Bentley, 30; Deontay Black, 34; and Scott Stone, 36—all from Henderson—are named in separate indictments. Bentley is charged with distributing methamphetamine on two occasions last year. Black faces similar charges for distribution on different dates in 2024. Stone is accused of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine earlier this year.
Marruquin and Black appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on March 19 and were ordered detained pending trial. Stone had his initial court appearance on March 17 and was also detained pending trial. Bentley and Powell remain in state custody awaiting their federal court appearances.
Potential sentences vary among the defendants if convicted: Marruquin could face between 20 years to life imprisonment; Powell could receive between five to forty years; Bentley might face ten years to life; Black's potential sentence ranges from fifteen years to life; while Stone could be sentenced from five to forty years.
These cases are being investigated by multiple agencies including the FBI Owensboro Satellite Office and the ATF Bowling Green Field Office among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II is prosecuting these cases under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
