A federal judge has sentenced Michael Bailey, 38, from Spring City, Tennessee, to 25 years in prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation across Tennessee. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren.
The investigation into the illegal distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl began in 2020. It was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Evidence presented in court showed that Bailey and others were responsible for transporting and distributing these drugs throughout Tennessee. The investigation led to the seizure of approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.5 pounds of powder fentanyl, and 18 firearms.
Bailey was convicted on September 6, 2024, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. On March 18, 2025, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced him to 25 years in federal prison with an additional five years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
Bailey was the last co-defendant to be sentenced in this case. His co-conspirators had previously pled guilty and received sentences from Judge Anderson as follows:
- Gregory Fleenor, Kingsport: 300 months plus five years supervised release
- James Payne, Puryear: 100 months plus five years supervised release
- Rose Rhear, Spring City: 144 months plus five years supervised release
- Rebecca Lustre, Crossville: 36 months plus three years supervised release
- Jeffrey Watts, Bradford: 150 months plus five years supervised release
- Brian Kennon, Paris: 180 months plus five years supervised release
- Timothy Miller, Greenfield: 60 months plus three years supervised release
The case was investigated by FBI Nashville's Jackson Resident Agency and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force.
Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren expressed gratitude towards Assistant United States Attorneys Christie Hopper and Immanuel Chioco for prosecuting the case and acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.
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