A man from Rogers, Kentucky, has been indicted on multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. Robert Lutes, aged 50, was formally charged by a grand jury in Lexington on April 17. The charges include four counts of distributing fentanyl, two counts of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, one count of intending to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, one count of intending to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and one count of firearm possession in the furtherance of drug trafficking.
The indictment claims that between February 6 and March 26, 2025, Lutes was involved in the possession and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Lee County. Additionally, on March 26, 2025, he allegedly possessed a firearm to further a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement of the indictment was made by Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the ATF and KSP, and the indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos.
Lutes was taken into custody on April 17 and will remain detained pending a trial scheduled for June 25, 2025. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years up to a life sentence. However, the court will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal sentencing statutes.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation utilizes resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood.
It should be noted that an indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial where the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
