A joint investigation by Special Agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Unit, and detectives with the Murfreesboro Police Department has resulted in the arrests of multiple individuals who were indicted on a variety of drug-related charges.

In late 2018, investigators began looking into a series of fentanyl-laced heroin overdoses in Murfreesboro.

During the course of that investigation, Agents and detectives initiated an undercover operation that ultimately identified individuals involved in a distribution organization of heroin and methamphetamine for the Middle Tennessee area. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, stolen weapons, and cash.

On June 4, the Rutherford County Grand Jury returned indictments charging several individuals with a variety of drug-related offenses.

This week, TBI Agents and detectives with the Murfreesboro Police Department arrested five people and booked them into the Rutherford County Jail. Those who were indicted include: 

*Robert Ray Yates (DOB 08/11/1981), Cleveland, OH: Three counts Distribution of Schedule I Drug (Heroin) Drug-Free School Zone, nine counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession of Schedule I Drugs (Heroin), Conspiracy to Distribute 300 grams or more Methamphetamine, Possession of 300 grams or more Methamphetamine, Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession with intent Drug-Free School Zone, 15 counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession with Intent Methamphetamine, Distribution of Schedule 2 Drugs Drug-Free School Zone, two counts Maintain Dwelling for Drug Use, Resisting Stop, Arrest, Search.

*Carmarski Butler (DOB 09/06/1974), Murfreesboro: Conspiracy to Distribute 300 grams or more Methamphetamine, seven counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

*John Bates (DOB 08/22/1986), Murfreesboro: Nine counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession Schedule I Drugs (Heroin), Distribution of Schedule 1 Drugs (Heroin) Drug-Free School Zone, Conspiracy to Distribute 300 grams or more Methamphetamine, eight counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession with Intent to distribute Methamphetamine. 

*Antonio Johnson (DOB 08/25/1979), Murfreesboro: Conspiracy to Distribute 300 grams or more Methamphetamine, Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug-Free School Zone, Maintain Dwelling for Drug Use, Distribution Schedule 2 Drugs Drug-Free School Zone, Possession of Firearm with Intent to go Armed, Theft of Property up to $1,000.

*Shatika Floyd (DOB 07/28/1983), Murfreesboro: Schedule 1 Drugs (Heroin) Drug-Free Zone, Conspiracy to Distribute 300 grams or more Methamphetamine, Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession with Intent (Methamphetamine) Drug-Free Zone, Maintain Dwelling for Drug Use, two counts Possession of Firearm with Intent to go Armed, Theft of Property up to $1,000.

The investigation remains ongoing.