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

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

World War II Honor Roll Wall Finds Permanent Home at Community Center

The wall had been on display at Newtown Park in Lawrenceburg

The Clearinghouse Opens Satellite Location in Lawrenceburg

The Clearinghouse is in their 45th year of supporting community members with food insecurities

17th Annual Oser-Roth & Friends Fest Comes to Lawrenceburg This Saturday

This is the first year the event will be hosted at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds

2026 Team Preview: Milan Brings Back Plenty of Experience After Semi-State Run

The Indians kickoff the season on the road at Rushville (Aug. 21)

Local Sports Report - August 4, 2026

Batesville Girls Golf was on the course on Tuesday

South Dearborn Touts Backman Field Upgrades as New School Year Begins

A new press box and videoboard were added this summer.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Pam Tillis - Shake the Sugar Tree

Parmalee Close Your Eyes 4:12
Mitchell Tenpenny We Got History 4:08
Joe Diffie Honky Tonk Attitude 4:05
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 4:03