DATE: May 12, 2026
SUBJECT: Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force Investigation Leads to Fentanyl Arrests
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-0513
CONTACT: Lt. Matt Schnell
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On May 12, 2026, Detectives with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force received information that Carl Ashley Allen Jr. was selling fentanyl from a hotel located in eastern Vanderburgh County. Through further investigation, Detectives obtained a judicially signed search warrant for the hotel room where Allen was staying.
Prior to executing the warrant, Detectives attempted to stop Allen in the hotel lobby. However, rather than surrendering, Allen attempted to flee on foot. Detectives observed Allen throw more than $900 in U.S. currency into the air, along with a plastic bag containing more than 17 grams of suspected fentanyl. After a brief foot pursuit, Detectives took Allen into custody without incident.
Detectives then executed the search warrant at Allen’s hotel room. Detectives located Miah-Reighn Franklin inside the room. Despite being instructed to exit the room, Franklin attempted to flee further into the room and had to be physically restrained. Franklin was found to have two active felony warrants: one from Warrick County for Possession of Methamphetamine and one from Kentucky for a parole violation.
Inside the hotel room, Detectives located multiple digital scales, several pieces of paraphernalia including loaded syringes, more than 30 grams of suspected marijuana, and trace amounts of suspected fentanyl. Detectives also located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Allen was found to have a previous conviction in Tennessee for Domestic Battery, making it illegal for him to possess a handgun.
“This case shows what we accomplish when the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department work together,” said Noah Robinson. “Fentanyl continues to devastate our community, and the Drug Task Force will aggressively pursue anyone who profits from its sale.”
Allen was charged with Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl), Resisting Law Enforcement, and Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun by a Domestic Batterer. Franklin was arrested on both of her outstanding felony warrants.
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force is comprised of Detectives from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department.
SUSPECT:
Carl Ashley Allen Jr., 38 years old, Madison, TN
CHARGES:
Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl) – Level 2 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun by a Domestic Batterer – Class A Misdemeanor
SUSPECT:
Miah-Reighn Caroline Franklin, 24 years old, Mount Vernon, IN
CHARGES:
Felony Warrant – Warrick County
Felony Parole Violation – Kentucky
Photo: 17 grams of suspected fentanyl
Presumption of Innocence Notice:
The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.