Nine Individuals Indicted On Drug Charges

Nine individuals have now been indicted on charges relating to an investigation that is part of the 313 Initiative. The 313 Initiative is a partnership of East Tennessee law enforcement agencies including the office of Jimmy Dunn, the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s office and was designed to combat the flow of drugs coming into East Tennessee from Detroit, Michigan. Those indicted include three from East Tennessee. They are 36 year old Ricky Lynn Coffey, of Bean Station; 27 year old Payton English, and 62 year old Bernie Smallwood both of Mooresburg. The others indicted are from out of state. They are- Jamal Witcher, 35, of Mansfield, Ohio; Taeshawn Witcher, 18 of Detroit, Michigan; Skyler Anthony Starkey Steward, 18, of Mansfield, Ohio; Keshon Lee, 27, of Detroit, Michigan; Emani Mason, 25, of Detroit, Michigan; Gianna Ryan, 22, of New Castle, Pennsylvania.

All nine are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Ricky Lynn Coffey is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm, including a firearm equipped with a silencer, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of an unregistered firearm. He faces a minimum of 40 years to life if convicted. Payton English faces 20 years to life and Smallwood faces a minimum of 10 years to life.

All nine were indicted back in May of this year, but the indictment was sealed till all nine appeared in court. All have entered pleas of not-guilty. A trail is expected to begin on November 19 in federal court in Knoxville.