Life Sentence For Fatal Drug Overdose In Boone Co. Jail

Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 1:07 PM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

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.

Events

Raffle & Easter Egg Hunt
March 28th @ Noon located at Bright Meadows Park
Mar 28, 2026 at Bright Meadows Park
Last Week of Jesus' Life - Bible Study Series
In person and Streaming
Mar 28, 2026 at Firmly Rooted Greendale
Youth Conference
Middle & High School students are invited to our Youth Conference on Saturday, March 28 from 6:00–10:00 PM. This event is completely free, and all are welcomed.
Mar 28, 2026 at Trinity Christian Center

Bridge Painting Project Planned on U.S. 50 in Aurora

The project is expected to be complete in late July.

Lawrenceburg Students Create Mural for Lawrenceburg Civic Park

Be sure to stop by Civic Park to check it out and support the incredible work of our young artists!

Dearborn County Man Sentenced 35 Years for Shaking 20-Month-Old

Following his release from prison, Sartin will serve five years on supervised probation and will be prohibited from having contact with minor children.