TBI Investigation Yields 15 Indictments For Meth Distribution In Knox County

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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

An ongoing investigation led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Drug Investigation Division resulted in the indictment of fifteen individuals.

TBI officials, along with Drug Task Force agents, first started their investigation into the sale of large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Knox County and nearby areas in December 2023.

During the investigation, TBI agents discovered that Richard Carroll Baker was leading the drug distribution ring. Baker is a member of the Pagans, an outlaw motorcycle gang.

Agents also learned that another member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, Brian Batson Fox, was aiding Baker with the distribution of the illegal narcotics, as were several other individuals.

On July 31, the Knox County Grand Jury indicted the following 15 individuals as a result of this 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

According to officials, the Pagans have been established in Knox County for the past few years.

“They try to downplay their criminal behavior by calling themselves a club,” stated TBI Director David Rausch. “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 says recent reports show that meth is the second most common drug found in overdose deaths in Knox County, so it is crucial that they continue to work to get the drug off of the streets.

“Last year at this time in Knox County, we had lost 308 people to overdoses,” Allen said. “As of today, we are at 207. We have saved 101 lives at this time this year, as compared to last year.”