A federal, state and local investigation into drug trafficking in the Crossville area has led to the indictments of 12 local residents and one Nashville man who is alleged to have provided drugs for sale in Cumberland County.
A press release from Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox was distributed Wednesday night and is a follow-up to a release issued last week concerning the widespread investigation.
A federal grand jury in the U.S Middle District Federal Court indicted the 13 persons following the investigation that was launched in October 2024. The FBI, Homeland Security, TBI, Appalachia, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Crossville Police and CCSO played roles in the investigation.
Under federal indictments are:
•Justin Octavius “J Roc” Tolliver, 36, Nashville, conspiracy, distribution of crack cocaine, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
•Aaliyah Blankenship, 23, Tabor Loop, conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl;
•Travis Coleman, 41, Tabor Loop, conspiracy, distribution and possession with intent to distribute;
•Matthew Dille, 42, Creston Road, conspiracy, distribution and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute;
•Robin Lang Hogan, 34, Malver Drive, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy with intent to distribute meth;
•Patrick Kincses, 40, Caney Creek Drive, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of meth with intent;
•Melanie Mahaney, 42, Sparta Hwy., conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, distribution of fentanyl and distribution of meth;
•Brian Maldonado, 45, Hwy. 70 West, conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute;
•Ronnie Keith Pugh, 39, Interstate Lane, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, distribution of fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm;
•Tony Rasso, 44, Tabor Loop, conspiracy;
•Daniel Reed, 37, Oakley Drive, conspiracy, distribution and possession with intent to distribute;
•Allen Rogers, 41, Turner Road, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute meth; and,
•Brandi Stoke, 45, Glory Loop, conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute.
On Sept. 29, a coordinated operation involving the CCSO, CPD, TBI, HIDTA and SWAT simultaneously executed search warrants at five Cumberland County residences, leading to the arrest of Blankenship, Maldonado, Pugh, Reed and Rogers.
Blankenship and Rasso were located in Port St. Lucie, FL, and arrested by local police and the FBI. The remainder were already in custody and served their indictments.
Cox was quoted in the press release as stating the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests and/or indictments are expected.
All 13 defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and will be prosecuted in federal court in Nashville.
Since Oct. 1, 2024, there have been at least 19 confirmed fentanyl overdose deaths and six additional suspected overdose deaths in the Crossville area.
“This operation is a significant step in combating the illegal drug crisis in Cumberland County,” the CCSO press release quoted Cox.
“Fentanyl has taken too many lives in our community, and these indictments send a clear message: if you bring poison into Cumberland County, we will pursue you relentlessly with every resource available.”
Cox added his thanks to all law enforcement agencies involved “for their tireless efforts in dismantling this dangerous operation.”
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.