A federal grand jury in Bowling Green has indicted a man from Tompkinsville, Kentucky, on charges related to methamphetamine distribution. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Director Ron Lafferty of the Barren River Drug Task Force.
The accused, Brandon Gearlds, 41, faces charges for distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on October 23, 2023. Additional charges include distributing 50 grams or more on two separate occasions: October 26, 2023, and April 24, 2024.
Gearlds appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on March 18, 2025. He is currently detained pending trial. If found guilty, he could face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and potentially up to life imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider various guidelines and statutory factors.
The investigation into this case is being conducted by the DEA - Paducah Post of Duty along with the Barren River Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II from the Bowling Green Branch Office is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation at this stage; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.