Zanesville, Ohio – A major Muskingum County drug trafficking investigation has resulted in three defendants receiving lengthy prison sentences after law enforcement intercepted 400 fentanyl-laced pills disguised as Percocet. The case, involving a coordinated operation by multiple agencies, highlights the ongoing battle against opioid-driven crime in Ohio.
Incident Overview
Authorities said the group’s attempted sale of hundreds of counterfeit Percocet pills led to their arrest earlier this year following a joint investigation involving the FBI, the Zanesville-Muskingum County Joint Drug Unit, and the CODE Task Force. Prosecutors reported that the pills contained fentanyl, a substance responsible for thousands of fatal overdoses nationwide.
According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, the undercover operation confirmed that the defendants were involved in transporting and selling the illegal pills inside the county.
Timeline of Events
The trafficking deal unfolded in June 2024, when investigators arranged a controlled buy involving 400 fentanyl-laced pills. Authorities said the suspects traveled to Muskingum County from Columbus to complete the sale, unaware the buyers were undercover officers.
On June 12, officers took the three suspects into custody. A 2023 Chevy Trailblazer and $350 in cash were seized during the operation. The vehicle and cash have since been officially forfeited to the county.
The defendants were later indicted in the fall, with hearings and sentencing dates following in October and November.
Details on the Defendants and Charges
Krisawn Antonio Taylor-Hayes
Authorities identified Krisawn Antonio Taylor-Hayes, 22, of Columbus, as one of the primary participants. He was sentenced on Nov. 24 to 16 years in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Officials say Taylor-Hayes played a central role in coordinating the illegal drug sale.
Steven A. Smith Jr.
Taylor-Hayes’ co-defendant, Steven A. Smith Jr., 26, of Zanesville, received an even longer sentence. Smith was sentenced on Oct. 8 to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree fentanyl trafficking and fifth-degree cocaine possession.
Prosecutors added that Smith also faced sentencing for four additional drug- and gun-related convictions from a separate case, which contributed to his total prison term.
Breonna K. Kelley
Investigators said Breonna K. Kelley, 19, of Columbus, acted as the driver during the drug transaction. She pleaded guilty on Oct. 20 to third-degree fentanyl trafficking, fifth-degree cocaine possession, and fifth-degree methamphetamine possession. Kelley received a four-year prison sentence during her Nov. 26 hearing.
Law Enforcement Findings
Prosecutors said the operation centered around fentanyl pills designed to look like prescription Percocet, a trend that has become increasingly common in Ohio’s drug market.
In a public statement, officials emphasized the deadly risks associated with street-purchased pills.
“Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl pose an immediate and unpredictable danger to anyone who buys them,” investigators warned in their announcement.
Authorities noted that all three suspects were found in possession of the marked money used during the controlled drug purchase.
Bond, Jail Time, and Post-Release Control
After their arrest on June 12, Taylor-Hayes and Smith were booked into the Muskingum County Jail. Taylor-Hayes’ bond was set at $750,000, while Smith’s was set at $500,000. Both men will face two to five years of post-release control once their prison sentences are completed.
Fentanyl’s Danger in Ohio
Ohio remains one of the states hardest hit by fentanyl-related overdoses. Law enforcement agencies across the region report that traffickers increasingly disguise fentanyl as common prescription medications to deceive buyers. Experts say a single pill containing a small amount of fentanyl can be fatal, making these counterfeit pills especially dangerous in the community.
Public safety officials continue urging residents to avoid purchasing pills from non-medical sources and to remain vigilant about signs of fentanyl-laced drugs in circulation.
Conclusion
The sentencing of these three defendants closes a significant case for Muskingum County, but authorities say their work is ongoing. With fentanyl-related crimes continuing to rise, local law enforcement agencies remain committed to aggressive investigations and community awareness.
Have you seen similar drug-related issues in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
