Life Sentence For Fatal Drug Overdose In Boone Co. Jail

A Cincinnati man is going away for life.

(Covington, Ky.) - A Cincinnati man has been sentenced to life for dealing carfentanil to an inmate in the Boone County Jail.

That other inmate fatally overdosed on the drug.

Federal prosecutors say 41-year-old Johnny Shelton smuggled the carfentanil into the Boone County Jail Work Camp in October of 2016. A fellow inmate, Timothy Marcum, overdosed and died. His body was found in the work camp.

Shelton was convicted in June following a five-day jury trial. On Wednesday, Shelton was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Covington to life in prison.

Under federal law, he will not be eligible for release from prison.

Prosecutors say Shelton had five prior drug trafficking convictions in Ohio.

Others with involvement in the jail drug smuggling conspiracy have been previously sentenced.  Chad Prodoehl was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 300 months in prison in May. 

Gordon Wanser pled guilty and was sentenced to 43 months in prison in July.

More from Local News


Events

Young Innovators Summit Ignites Future Careers for 130 Local High School Students

Genesis: Pathways to Success hosted the event at the Lawrenceburg Event Center.

Tutoring Grants Now Available for Indiana Students and Families

Eligible families can access $1,000 grants, focused on English/language arts and math.

Scammers Seek "Harrison Fire" Donations

Don't be fooled by these calls.

Local Sports Report - November 12, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

South Dearborn's Hamlett Commits to USI

D-1 baseball is on the horizon.

Local Sports Report - November 11, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman

Tracy Byrd I'm From The Country 12:08
Lee Brice Killed The Man 12:05
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 12:01
Garth Brooks and Steve Wariner Longneck Bottle 10:58