6 indicted in Madisonville drug distribution ring investigation

MADISONVILLE, Ky. – Six people are now formally charged in connection with a Madisonville drug distribution investigation.

According to a release by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, after a joint state and federal investigation led by the DEA and the Madisonville Police Department, six people are facing drug distribution-related charges.

According to an indictment, 34-year-old Traviel Civils of Madisonville, 41-year-old Teron Cox of Earlington, 69-year-old James Gunn of Greenville, 41-year-old Adam Pettus of Earlington, 44-year-old Brooke Poe of Madisonville and 46-year-old Robert Rice of Madisonville are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Officials say Civils is additionally charged with seven more counts of distribution of controlled substances involving cocaine and methamphetamine.

Pettus is charged with 10 additional counts of distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving cocaine and methamphetamine.

Rice was charged with two additional counts of distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving methamphetamine. Cox was charged with two additional counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Gunn was charged with one additional count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving methamphetamine.

According to officials, all defendants other than Cox recently made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. These defendants remained detained in federal custody pending trial. Cox remains in state custody and will make an initial appearance at a later date.

If convicted, the defendants each face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case remains under investigation.