100 times more powerful than morphine.
Five of the seven suspects were indicted on nine counts late October. The charges include:
- Distribution of fentanyl, which resulted in two deaths.
- Five additional counts of fentanyl distribution, which caused serious bodily harm.
- One suspect charged with a count of distribution of fentanyl, which resulted in death
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess fentanyl with intent to sell, the use of which caused fatalities and serious bodily harm
- Four suspects charged with one additional count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily harm
The suspects include:
- Jonathan Barrett, a.k.a. “Punky,” 29, of Murfreesboro
- Jason Moss, 26, of Murfreesboro
- Eric Falkowski, 34, of Kissimmee, Florida
- Johnny Williams, 30, of Murfreesboro
- Davi Valles, Jr., 25, of Nashville
Jennifer Dogonski, 33, of Murfreesboro was previously charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute, the use of which caused serious bodily harm. She pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Another suspect, Preston Davis, 22, of Madison was charged on Sept. 13 with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess fentanyl with intent to distribute, the use of which resulted in death.
“This is the emerging drug issue in Tennessee, with the potential to be far more destructive and far more deadly than any other drug issue we’ve worked to fight,” said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Director Mark Gwyn in a statement. “We’ve warned the public about this issue several times this year and once again, we would urge anyone with a substance abuse issue to seek help. Turning to the streets to find your next fix isn’t the answer. And it might very well cost you your life.”
Six defendants are in custody, and if convicted, they may face a minimum term of 20 years to life in prison. Additionally, they face up to a $1,000,000 fine for each count charged.
“Let today’s efforts send a resounding shot to be heard by all that of those who profit from preying on the addicted and distribute the poison that continues to plague our communities at epidemic proportions; they will be investigated and prosecuted to the highest extent of the law,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Tersigni.
Jason Moss, 26, of Murfreesboro remains at large and is a fugitive. Anyone with information leading to his arrest is urged to call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND
