Man sentenced in Bowling Green drug conspiracy case

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – One man is facing 200 months in prison in a Bowling Green drug conspiracy case.

According to a release by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, 46-year-old Scottie Starks Jr., the lead defendant in the case, was sentenced Wednesday.

Court records state Starks had supplied methamphetamine to Cristopher Patterson, Bryan Murphy and Isaac Hayes.

In addition, court records state Starks was “responsible for trafficking over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of cocaine.”

Starks, a convicted felon, also possessed a handgun illegally, officials say.

Previously, officials say Starks had been convicted in Warren County on drug trafficking charges.

Upon release, the attorney’s office states Starks will have five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and a possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to the release, Patterson was sentenced in November to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, while Hayes was sentenced in January to two years in prison and three years of supervised release.

Murphy is scheduled for final sentencing on March 5.

Bowling Green/Warren County AHIDTA Drug Task Force Director Tommy M. Loving stated, “This case brings closure to a lengthy investigation into a major drug trafficker who was responsible for distributing crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana throughout Warren County and South Central Kentucky. It stands as a clear example of what can be achieved when agencies work together with a unified mission. Through the strong partnerships we share with the ATF, the United States Attorney’s Office, and our state and local law enforcement partners, we are able to disrupt significant drug operations and make our communities safer.”

There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Task Force.