BOWLING GREEN KENTUCKY — A federal grand jury has indicted five individuals from Henderson Kentucky in connection with methamphetamine trafficking and related crimes. The indictments were returned on March 12 in Bowling Green.
Steven Marruquin, age 52, faces the most serious charges. He is accused of distributing methamphetamine on three occasions and possessing over 500 grams of the drug with the intent to distribute. Marruquin also faces charges for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and for illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and could be sentenced to life in federal prison.
Deontay Black, age 34, is charged with distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine on two occasions. If convicted, Black faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Both Marruquin and Black appeared in court on March 19 and were ordered to be detained pending their trials.
Brandy Powell, age 46, is charged with possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. She could face five to 40 years in federal prison if convicted. Powell is currently in state custody and is expected to appear in federal court at a later date.
Kane Bentley, age 30, is charged with two counts of meth distribution. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a potential life sentence. Like Powell, Bentley is also in state custody awaiting his initial court appearance.
Scott Stone, age 36, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He made his initial appearance on March 17 and was also ordered to remain in custody. Stone faces five to 40 years in prison if convicted.
The charges are part of an ongoing federal effort to combat drug trafficking in western Kentucky. Sentences will be determined by a federal judge, with no possibility of parole in the federal system.
