A federal Grand Jury in Paducah returned an indictment on Feb. 11 charging four individuals with conspiring to distribute controlled substances in McCracken County, officials announced March 23.
The case is significant because it involved a long-term investigation into a local drug trafficking organization and resulted in the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs before they reached the community. Authorities say these efforts are aimed at keeping dangerous substances off the streets and holding repeat offenders accountable.
According to court documents, Demarlo Henderson of Paducah, Kentucky, along with Lafaeabeian Stingley of Hickory, Kentucky, Toddriquez Bradley of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Joseph K. Baker of Baton Rouge were investigated over several months by federal and state partners. Henderson has two prior federal convictions for cocaine trafficking and was under federal supervision during the alleged offenses. Between December 2024 and January 2026, the group allegedly obtained and distributed large amounts of cocaine around McCracken County. On Jan. 8, authorities executed search warrants at multiple locations in McCracken and Graves Counties that led to seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, and cash. On Jan. 17, agents intercepted two kilograms of cocaine reportedly ordered by Henderson’s organization from Bradley; Baker was arrested delivering the drugs in Paducah while Bradley was arrested later in Baton Rouge.
Henderson faces one count each for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine as well as three counts for distribution and one count for possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Stingley faces conspiracy charges plus possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Baker and Bradley face conspiracy charges plus possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted on all counts: Henderson could receive a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years up to life; Stingley faces at least ten years up to life; Baker also faces ten years minimum up to life; Bradley faces fifteen years minimum up to life.
“Because of exceptional law enforcement work, large quantities of poison were seized before they hit the streets of Paducah,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “Now, our office will vigorously prosecute these defendants to finish the strong work started by investigators. Justice will be served.” Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott said: “This case highlights the tenacity of DEA agents and our law enforcement partners… Mr. Henderson and his associates should expect to experience the full weight of our justice system for their efforts.” Chief Brian Laird added: “Our partnership… is essential… This collaboration stopped a significant amount of drugs from entering our community.” Sheriff Ryan Norman stated: “When agencies come together… good outcomes happen… We have great cooperation in our area and it shows in the results.”
The defendants are scheduled for initial appearances before a U.S Magistrate Judge at a later date; sentences will be determined by a district court judge according to sentencing guidelines—there is no parole under federal law.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including DEA’s Paducah Post of Duty as well as local police departments across western Kentucky counties.
Assistant U.S Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus is prosecuting this case which falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations nationwide.
Authorities remind that an indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
