Four Hopkins Co. indicted in fentanyl trafficking ring | Local News

Rivera remains incarcerated at the Hopkins County Jail on $20,000 cash bail. Bailey and Smith were released on $2,000 bail each, while Western is free on her own recognizance.

Also charged is Robert Daugherty, of Slaughters, on suspicion of supplying fentanyl pills for the ring.

In May 2024, detectives from the Madisonville-Hopkins County Narcotics and Narcotics Unit and Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations began investigating an influx of fentanyl into the area. During the investigation, officers conducted a controlled purchase of the drugs. During the operation, detectives identified Daugherty as a potential source of fentanyl, the release states.

On May 29, detectives conducted a traffic stop in Madisonville. During the check, several counterfeit fentanyl pills were confiscated, the release states.

Jayla Western, 18 of Madisonville, was observed purchasing the pills from Julio Rivera at 248 Bernard Dr. The driver was identified as Juwon Smith, 19, of Dawson Springs. Officers say Smith was found in possession of a degraded firearm and suspected marijuana, the release states.

Later that day, investigators obtained a search warrant for the Bernard Street residence. Officers found several people in the home, including Daugherty and Rivera.

The search of the property revealed approximately two pounds of suspected counterfeit fentanyl pills, three ounces of suspected marijuana, two ounces of suspected THC wax, 22 THC vape cartridges and two handguns, according to investigators.

KSP detectives obtained a search warrant for Daugherty's residence at 4440 KY 1835 in Slaughters. During the search, they found approximately one pound of suspected marijuana, approximately one pound of suspected THC wax, suspected methamphetamine and four additional handguns, according to the report.

Investigators said the operation yielded approximately 567 pills. Since the standard procedure for dealers is to divide doses by four, authorities estimate that the seizures took about 2,300 doses off the street, the release said.

Rivera is accused of trafficking fentanyl and marijuana

Bailey is charged with possession of marijuana and convicted of possession of a handgun, while Smith faces charges of possession of marijuana and possession of a degraded handgun.

Western is charged with possession of fentanyl.

Daugherty is charged with aggravated trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in marijuana and possession of methamphetamine.

During the investigation, both units were assisted by the Webster County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Paducah Post of Duty and MPD.