A two-year multi-agency investigation led by the MNPD Gang Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives into the trafficking of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and guns in Middle Tennessee has led to federal indictment of 13 persons.
The indictments allege the defendants’ criminal activity occurred between June 1, 2017, and February 6, 2019. Thirty-two guns were seized during the investigation, as well as significant quantities of heroin and meth.
Twelve of the 13 defendants are in custody. The person still at large is Robert Bell, 41, of Murfreesboro, who is facing federal charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; and unlawful possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
Here’s the other defendants and the criminal counts against them are:
Mark McElwee, 50, of Nashville, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; unlawful possession with intent to distribute heroin methamphetamine and cocaine; unlawful distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.
Ramell Webster, 34, of Nashville, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; unlawful possession and distribution of heroin and possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin; being a convicted felon in possession of firearms; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.
Michael Bedwell, 40, of Lewisburg, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; being a convicted felon in possession of firearms; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.
John Hayes, 36, of Nashville, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine.
Jesse Weston, 38, of Nashville, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Chelsea Brassell, 28, of Nashville, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine and cocaine.
Laura Hayes, 31, of Nashville, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Caddius House, 42, of Murfreesboro, unlawful possession with intent to distribute Xanax.
Kirk Carroll, 41, of Westmoreland, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition.
Jennifer Neal, 38, of Westmoreland, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. [Photo Unavailable]
Joshua Parsons, 37, of Nashville, conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine; unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; being a convicted felon in possession of firearms; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.
Matthew Anderson, 31, of Nashville, being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
If convicted, the following federal penalties apply:
- McElwee and Webster, 10 – 45 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine
- Michael Bedwell, 10 years, up to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine
- John Hayes, Weston, Bell, Brassell, Laura Hayes, House, Carrol, and Neal, up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine
- Joshua Parsons, 5 – 25 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine
- Matthew Anderson, up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
In addition to the MNPD Gang Unit and the ATF, this investigation also involved the Smyrna Police Department; the Macon County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; the Marshall County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; and the Putnam County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Siji Moore is prosecuting the case.