KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Fifteen people were indicted following an ongoing drug distribution investigation, led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Drug Investigation Division.
In December 2023, TBI agents began investigating the sale of large amounts of methamphetamines in Knox County and surrounding areas.
During the investigation, TBI said it learned that Richard Carroll Baker, a member of the outlaw motorcycle gang known as the Pagans, was the man leading the meth distribution.
TBI found more information on the distribution, revealing that Brian Batson Fox, another member of the Pagan Motorcycle Club, along with others, helped Baker in distributing illegal narcotics throughout East Tennessee.
On July 31, a Knox County Grand Jury returned indictments charging the following 15 people as part of the investigation:
- Richard Carroll Baker, Knoxville – Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine, three counts of sale/delivery of 26 grams of methamphetamine
- Brian Batson Fox, Dandridge - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- David Eugene Maples, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Joseph Shane Moore, Strawberry Plains - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Larry Douglas Bradford, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Erin Elizabeth Wright, also known as Erin Fleenor, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Deidre Nicole Hood, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Connie Sue High, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Jill Marie Jones, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- LeAndrea Faye Osentoski, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Alicia Mae Kristen Murphy, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Bettina Clara Godwin, Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Charles Richard Robertson, Jr., Knoxville - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or Manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Courtney Janene Lewis, Powell - Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture 300 grams or more of methamphetamine
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office, 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are assisting with the investigation.
Knox County prosecutors said the motorcycle club has been in the Knoxville area for several years.
"They try to downplay their criminal behavior by calling themselves a club," said David Rausch, the director of the TBI. But let me be clear, they are nothing more than a criminal organization made up of cowardly thugs. And they prey on the vulnerable in our communities."
Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen said a recent medical examiner's report showed meth is the second most frequent drug found in overdose deaths across Knox County. She said getting it off the streets is a lifesaver.
"Last year at this time in Knox County, we had lost 308 people to overdoses," said Allen. "As of today, we are at 207. We have saved 101 lives at this time this year, as compared to last year. "
She said this law enforcement operation is an offshoot of the 313 Initiative, which targets drug sales coming from the Detroit area. In this case, however, it's believed the meth originated from Atlanta. Allen says 417 arrests have been made through the initiative, including in this operation.