Final Defendant in Bowling Green Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to 18 1/2 Years in Prison

Bowling Green, KY - On March 17, 2026, Shantaja S. Hutchins, the final defendant in a six-person methamphetamine conspiracy centered in Bowling Green, Kentucky, was sentenced to serve 18 1/2 years in federal prison.

First Assistant United States Attorney Brian Butler of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Director Tommy M. Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement.

According to court records, Shantaja S. Hutchins, 49, invested in large quantities of methamphetamine which Leroy B. Riggsbee, 40, obtained. This conspiracy involved the transportation of 77 pounds of methamphetamine from the Atlanta, GA area to Bowling Green, KY. The 77 pounds of methamphetamine was seized following the traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by Joseph A. Raby, 43, and Brandon T. Trent, 27, on January 4, 2023. Hutchins was in a separate car following Trent and Raby back from Georgia.

Hutchins was sentenced on March 17, 2026, to serve 18 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The other members of the conspiracy were previously sentenced for their roles in connection with this drug conspiracy. Riggsbee, a lead defendant with Hutchins, was sentenced on November 17, 2025, to serve 17 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Jeffery W. Glass, 53, was sentenced on February 4, 2025, to serve 4 3/4 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role as a co-conspirator. Tyler P. Houchens, 31, was sentenced on November 5, 2024, to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role as a co-conspirator. Houchens fled police during this conspiracy and was found to possess for resale 10 lbs. of methamphetamine. Raby was sentenced on November 7, 2023, to serve 9 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role as a co-conspirator. Trent was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to serve 2 years and 1 month in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for his role as a co-conspirator. Antoine J. Bass, 43, was charged with selling methamphetamine on two occasions. On November 16, 2023, he was sentenced to serve 6 years and 7 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for his role as a street level drug dealer.

First Assistant United States Attorney Brian Butler stated, "The Bowling Green/Warren County AHIDTA Drug Task Force and ATF dismantled a significant drug trafficking conspiracy that intended to distribute at least 77 lbs. of methamphetamine in and around the Bowling Green area. Bowling Green is a model for cooperation between federal and state law enforcement and federal and state prosecutor's offices. These convictions and sentences continue to demonstrate that Bowling Green is one of the worst places in America for drug traffickers to peddle their narcotics."

ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes said, "This case is another successful example of law enforcement working together at all levels to make our community safer. ATF and the Bowling Green Warren County Drug Task Force joined forces to remove a dangerous drug trafficker and his poison from Central Kentucky. As a direct result of this partnership and aggressive prosecution by our US Attorney's Office, Shantaja Hutchins will now spend nearly 20 years in federal prison."

Bowling Green/Warren County AHIDTA Drug Task Force Director Tommy M. Loving stated, "This case is another example of the strong partnerships and collaboration between state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies. Through this joint effort with the ATF, investigators made what we believe to be a record seizure in a single case-77 pounds of methamphetamine that was being transported back into Warren County. Today's final sentencing ensures that the primary individuals responsible for this operation will no longer be able to distribute their poison in South Central Kentucky. We commend the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky for its continued dedication to prosecuting major drug traffickers and helping keep our communities safe."

There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney's Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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