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Press Release

10 Indicted in Ice Distribution Conspiracy

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Tennessee

Jackson, TN – Ten individuals have been indicted on federal drug charges for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of highly pure methamphetamine. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.

According to the indictment, between February 2015 and early April 2016, the defendants conspired with each other to unlawfully distribute multiple grams of "ice," which is meth that boasts a purity greater than 80 percent. A yearlong investigation revealed that the drugs were allegedly being transported from Phoenix, Arizona to West Tennessee for distribution. More than $146,000 was seized during the investigation, along with 54 firearms, and more than five kilos of ice.

On Thursday, April 28, 2016, nine of the defendants were arrested and taken into federal custody — one remains a fugitive. The round-up was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); 24th Judicial Drug Task Force; Tennessee Highway Patrol; Decatur County Sheriff’s Department; Lexington Police Department; Jackson Police Department; and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department.

The defendants include:

   • Franklin Shane Rushing, 46, of Decaturville, Tennessee
   • Shannon Lee Baxin, 44, of Savannah, Tennessee
   • Guadalupe Lopez Hernandez, 39, of Phoenix, Arizona
   • Francisco Javier Suarez, 39, of Phoenix, Arizona (fugitive)
   • Reyna Rosario Reyes, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona
   • Terry Wayne Morton, 51, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
   • Randle Hugh Bushart, 52, of Friendship, Tennessee
   • Amanda Jane Ivey, 44, of Lexington, Tennessee
   • Joe Thomas Daniel, 31, of Reagan, Tennessee
   • Freddie Joe Dailey, 56, of Parsons/Scotts Hill, Tennessee

Hernandez, Suarez, Reyes, Baxin, Rushing, Morton, Bushart, Ivey, and Dailey have been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth; and one count of aiding and abetting each other to distribute, attempt to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, and attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

Hernandez, Suarez, and Reyes are also charged with an additional count of distributing, attempting to distribute, possessing with intent to distribute, and attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

Dailey is charged with three additional counts of possessing with the intent to distribute, and attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams of meth.

Rushing is also charged with two counts of distributing, attempting to distribute, possessing with the intent to distribute, and attempting to possess with intent to distribute meth; and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Bushart is also charged with one count of possessing with the intent to deliver, and attempting to possess with intent to deliver 50 grams or more of meth.

Ivey is also charged with two counts of distributing, attempting to distribute, possessing with the intent to distribute, and attempting to possess with intent to distribute meth.

Morton is also charged with one count of possessing with intent to distribute and attempting to possess with intent to distribute meth; and two counts of felony possession of a firearm.

Daniel is being charged with three counts of possessing with the intent to distribute, and attempting to possess with intent to distribute meth; one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count of felony possession of a firearm.

The conspiracy, aiding and abetting, possession and distribution of 50 grams or more of meth charges hold individual penalties of no less than 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10 million.

The distribution, possession with the intent to distribute, and attempt to possess and distribute meth holds a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million.

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime holds a penalty of no less than five years imprisonment consecutive to any other term of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Felony possession of a firearm holds a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); 24th Judicial Drug Task Force; Lexington Police Department; Henderson County Sheriff's Department; Decatur County Sheriff's Department; Dyersburg Police Department; and the Jackson Police Department. The agencies are being assisted by the sheriff’s departments for Rutherford County and Crockett County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Boswell is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated April 29, 2016