Four charged in federal drug trafficking case in Paducah

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — Four people have been charged in a federal indictment tied to a drug trafficking operation in McCracken County, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A federal grand jury returned the indictment Feb. 11, alleging the group conspired to distribute cocaine in the Paducah area over more than a year.

Authorities identified the suspects as Demarlo Henderson, 41, of Paducah; Lafaeabeian Stingley, 54, of Hickory; and Joseph K. Baker, 38, and Toddriquez Bradley, 38, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Investigators said the group obtained and distributed large quantities of cocaine between December 2024 and January 2026. Search warrants executed in McCracken and Graves counties led to the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine and cash.\

Authorities also intercepted about 2 kilograms of cocaine destined for the group in January.

Henderson faces multiple charges, including conspiracy and distribution of cocaine, and could face a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted. The other defendants also face federal drug trafficking charges with potential sentences ranging from 10 years to life.

The investigation involved multiple federal, state and local agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Paducah Police Department and McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said the case remains pending, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.