MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (September 23, 2025) — A nearly two-year undercover investigation into illegal drugs, firearms, and gang activity has culminated in the indictment of 33 individuals connected to a deadly fentanyl trafficking ring. Larry Flowers, Public Safety Information Director at the Murfreesboro Police Department opened the press conference by stating... The operation stemmed from the fatal overdose of a Murfreesboro man in November 2023... 

Detectives with the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Investigations Section and agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) led the joint probe, with support from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD). The investigation revealed a large-scale network of fentanyl suppliers and distributors operating between Nashville, Murfreesboro, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities. 

Cartel and Gangs Involved: When asked further about the involvement of a cartel and gangs, spokesperson, Larry Flowers, stated...

Overdose Sparks Major Investigation - Authorities launched the investigation following a 2023 overdose death. By early 2024, investigators had identified suppliers connected to the case, leading to residential search warrants in Murfreesboro where large quantities of fentanyl powder and pills were seized.

As the investigation continued, Keith and Michael Denton, along with Jobie Elliott are all facing chagres of Second Degree Murder in Murfreesboro...

As the case widened, officials discovered that high-level distributors with gang affiliations were moving fentanyl into the region. By late 2024, investigators confirmed cartel involvement and identified suspects planning violent crimes, including first-degree murder. Swift action by MPD and MNPD prevented a homicide and led to multiple arrests. Flowers further confirmed...

Large-Scale Seizures - Throughout the investigation, authorities confiscated a significant cache of narcotics and weapons, including:

• 15 pounds of fentanyl (powder and pills)

• 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine

• 2.1 pounds of heroin

• 2 pounds of cocaine

• 61 firearms, including automatic weapons linked to homicides

• Body armor and suppressors

• 15 vehicles, including three stolen vehicles

• $175,000 in illicit U.S. currency

• Evidence linked to two fatal overdoses

Detectives estimate that the seized fentanyl alone had the potential to deliver lethal doses to more than three million people.

Indictments and Charges - Thirty-three suspects face a wide range of charges, from conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to second-degree murder. Several individuals were also charged with firearm violations, maintaining dwellings for drug trafficking, and possession of additional narcotics.

Two defendants, Keith and Michael Denton, face second-degree murder charges directly tied to fentanyl distribution. Another defendant, Jobie Elliott, was indicted on both murder and trafficking counts.

Authorities continue to search for six additional suspects who remain at large.

Multi-Agency Operation - The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Investigations Section and TBI’s Middle Tennessee Drug-Related Death Task Force spearheaded the operation, with crucial support from:

• Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Tactical Diversion Squad

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

• Smyrna Police Department

• Tennessee Highway Patrol – Interdiction Unit

• La Vergne Police Department

• Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office

• 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force

Law enforcement leaders say the operation represents one of the most significant fentanyl-related crackdowns in Middle Tennessee’s history.

MORE DETAILS FROM MPD (INCLUDES ALL NAMES AS LISTED IN THE PHOTOS ABOVE THIS ARTICLE, ALSO INCLUDES AGES AND CHARGES): 

FROM MPD - A nearly two-year undercover investigation involving illegal drugs, gang activity, and firearms has resulted in the indictment of 33 people, following a 2023 overdose death of a Murfreesboro man.

Detectives from the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Investigations Section and agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation launched the joint investigation in November 2023 after an individual died from a fatal overdose. Detectives from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) also took part in the investigation. In early 2024, investigators identified multiple suppliers connected to the overdose death.

Officers executed residential search warrants in Murfreesboro, confiscating large quantities of fentanyl powder and pills.

As the investigation expanded, authorities uncovered a network of high-level fentanyl distributors operating out of Nashville and supplying Murfreesboro and surrounding communities.

By late 2024, investigators identified known gang members within the drug trafficking operation.

In early 2025, investigators intercepted plans by members to commit first-degree murder. MPD investigators and MNPD’s intervention led to the arrest of three suspects, preventing a potential homicide.

Further investigation revealed cartel involvement with individuals being arrested for attempting to deliver large quantities of fentanyl to areas in Middle Tennessee, including Murfreesboro, as well as the discovery of a fentanyl lab in Nashville and the seizure of additional narcotics.

Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized:

• 15 pounds of fentanyl (powder and pills)
• 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine
• 2.1 pounds of heroin
• 2 pounds of cocaine
• 61 firearms, including automatic weapons and guns linked to homicides
• Body armor and suppressors
• 15 vehicles and three stolen vehicles
• $175,000 in illicit U.S. currency
• 17 residential search warrants
• Evidence linked to two fatal overdoses

Authorities indicted 33 defendants on charges ranging from second-degree homicide to fentanyl distribution. The overall impact of these operations could potentially have delivered lethal doses of fentanyl to over three million individuals, according to detectives.

The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Investigations Section and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Middle Tennessee Drug-Related Death Task Force (HIDTA) led the operation.

The investigation was supported by:

• Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
• Drug Enforcement Administration – TDS
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Smyrna Police Department
• Tennessee Highway Patrol – Interdiction Unit
• La Vergne Police Department
• Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office
• 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force

Each of these individuals has been indicted on the following charges:

• Gregory Holt (Age 29) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Chandler Steward (Age 26) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Mark Buchanan (Age 28) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Adarrius Howard (Age 26) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Bryant Parker (Age 27) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Deborah Woodard (Age 29) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Jalisha Davis (Age 33) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess with Intent x3, Possession of firearm with Intent to go armed during a dangerous felony, Manufacture, deliver, Sell, Possess Schedule II, Schedule II drugs Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use

• Thomas Dixon (Age 33) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess with Intent x3, Possession of firearm with Intent to go armed during a dangerous felony, Manufacture, deliver, Sell, Possess Schedule II, Schedule II drugs Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use

• Brandon Littman (Age 29) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Kaitlin Gann (Age 26) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Evan Overstreet (Age 24) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Keith Denton (Age 66) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Second Degree Murder: Fentanyl, Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Schedule II Fentanyl x6, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use x6, Simple Possession of Methamphetamine

• Michael Denton (Age 33) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Second Degree Murder: Fentanyl, Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Schedule II Fentanyl x6, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use x6, Simple Possession of Methamphetamine

• Omar Ponce (Age 21) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Rickey Holman (Age 37) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Ernesto Duran- Hernandez (Age 38) -Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Second Degree Murder: Fentanyl, Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Schedule II Fentanyl x6, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use x6, Simple Possession of Methamphetamine

• Jesus Mendoza-Viera (Age 27) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Second Degree Murder: Fentanyl, Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Schedule II Fentanyl x6, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use x6, Simple Possession of Methamphetamine

• Elliot Rutledge (Age 42) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Anthony Chambers (Age 22) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Justin Brake (Age 38) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Preston Davis (Age 31) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Harlen Zirker Jr (Age 24) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Jobie Elliot (Age 35) - Second Degree Murder: Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Schedule II: Fentanyl

• Ashley Peters (Age 37) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl, Attempted Possession Schedule II Drugs: Fentanyl

• Marari Belin (Age 39) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Gabriella Wolcott (Age 31) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

• Brittany Sledd (Age 43) - Conspiracy to Manufacture, Deliver, Sell, Possess Fentanyl

NOTE: There are outstanding warrants for six more individuals.

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.