Radcliff man indicted in 'medical' marijuana case

A Radcliff man charged with possessing more than 2 pounds of medical-grade marijuana was indicted Thursday by a Hardin County grand jury.

BUTLER

Henry L. Butler Jr., 35, faces charges of complicity to commit trafficking in marijuana more than 8 ounces but less than 5 pounds and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both charges are enhanced because police found a firearm at the time of arrest, according to the indictment.

Butler was arrested Jan. 31 at his home on Wintergreen Drive following an investigation by the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force.

Director Ron Eckart previously said task force investigators noticed a higher quality of marijuana in the area, which they thought was unusual because of its cost compared to the typical product.

Through collaboration with Louisville Metro Police and Radcliff Police Department, Eckart said investigators identified Butler as a suspect and served a search warrant at his residence.

Police ultimately seized 2.8 pounds of medical-grade marijuana, $6,300 in cash and a handgun, he said.

Investigators believe the drug was being shipped into the area from Colorado and California, Eckart said.

According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service recently seized approximately $14,000 in cash Butler was mailing to California.

Less than 24 hours after arresting Butler, Eckart said task force investigators arrested two more people whom they believe Butler supplied.

Terrell L. Matthews Jr., 29, and Linda M. Duncan, 33, both of Radcliff, were arrested Feb. 1 on charges of trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Eckart said authorities believe the two were scheduled to meet Butler to pick up 4 ounces of marijuana. They had $1,100 in cash to pay for the transaction, he said.

Because there were four children in the car during the meet, Matthews and Duncan also are charged with child endangerment, Eckart said.

Duncan has been released from Hardin County Detention Center on an unsecured bond while Matthews remains lodged in lieu of a $5,000 cash bond.

Both are scheduled to appear Friday in Hardin District Court.

Butler is lodged at the jail in lieu of a $75,000 cash bond. An arraignment in Hardin Circuit Court has not been scheduled.

An indictment is an allegation, not proof, of guilt. A defendant remains innocent until proven guilty.

Sarah Bennett can be reached at (270) 505-1750 or sbennett@thenewsenterprise.com.