Charges brought to light

On May 24, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Kentucky, announced the indictment of two men for methamphetamine trafficking in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury, was disclosed by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Erek Davodwich, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Sheriff Brandon Ford of the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

The Accused and their Charges

The men, John E. Marks, 61, of Scottsville, Kentucky, and Samuel Corey Vanmeter, 34, of Brownsville, Kentucky, face charges of possessing with the intent to distribute a large quantity of methamphetamine, specifically 50 grams or more. The alleged criminal act took place in Allen County, Kentucky on March 22, 2024.

Initial Court Appearances

Marks appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on May 20, 2024. A day later, on May 21, Vanmeter made his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in the same court. Both men were represented at their initial appearances, the results of which have not been publicly disclosed as of now.

Possible Sentence and Legal Proceedings

Should they be convicted, both defendants face a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine the sentences, closely considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. In the federal system, there is no chance of parole.

The case remains under investigation by the DEA Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office. The Kentucky State Police are also providing assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is the official prosecutor of the case.

Presumption of Innocence

It is crucial to remember that an indictment is only an accusation. All defendants maintain their innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.