The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee announced Wednesday that a federal grand jury has returned 17 indictments charging 11 people in what prosecutors describe as a multi-county methamphetamine trafficking operation across the Midstate.
Alleged operation coordinated from inside prison
According to the filings, the enterprise was allegedly orchestrated by Corey Byrd, 38, who is currently in custody with the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Prosecutors say Byrd ran the network from a prison cell between 2023 and August 2025, directing associates using smuggled cell phones.
"Serving a prison sentence is not a license to continue running a criminal enterprise. This indictment alleges that the lead defendant attempted to turn a prison cell into the command center for a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation," said U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek.
Who was indicted
Federal indictments were filed June 17 against the following people:
- Corey Byrd, 38 — currently in TDOC custody
- Tiffany Byrd, 35 — Lawrenceburg
- Robert Miles, 52 — Lawrenceburg
- Demond Garrett, 42 — Pulaski
- Jason Bost, 45 — Pulaski
- Haylee Groover, 26 — Pulaski
- Chelsie Dickson, 31 — Pulaski
- Alyssa Whitsett, 22 — Pulaski
- Sherri Holder, 49 — Pulaski
- Stacy Taylor, 45 — Lawrenceburg
- Lila Chester, 28 — Pulaski
Prosecutors say the grand jury returned a total of 17 indictments covering the 11 defendants for their roles in distribution and related offenses.
Alleged offenses and scope
Federal authorities say the operation involved distribution of methamphetamine throughout the Midstate. The filings contend that each of nine defendants — aside from the alleged organizer and a primary distributor — trafficked at least 500 grams of methamphetamine during the course of the operation.
Robert Miles faces additional allegations that include possession of fentanyl and a firearm in connection with a crime, according to the indictments.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number indicted | 11 individuals |
| Indictments returned | 17 |
| Alleged timeframe | 2023 to August 2025 |
| Minimum alleged meth per trafficker | 500 grams |
Local impact and law enforcement response
The case reflects a continuing focus by federal and local law enforcement on drug distribution networks that span cities and counties. Officials say the investigation involved multiple agencies; the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized dismantling organizations that continue to operate despite custodial sentences for leaders.
For residents in Lawrenceburg, Pulaski and surrounding communities, the indictments are likely to trigger additional court proceedings and potential criminal trials in federal court. Those charged will face federal prosecution, which can carry significant penalties if convictions follow.
News Block will monitor court filings and local law enforcement updates as arraignments and pretrial proceedings unfold. Anyone with information related to this investigation should contact federal or local authorities handling the case.
This article was compiled from the U.S. Attorney’s Office announcement and a local television report. Additional details will be added as they become available in public court records and agency statements.
