Executive Summary
- Phillip Wayne Young, 48, has been indicted by a Nelson County Grand Jury for fentanyl trafficking resulting in death.
- The charges are connected to the death of Ray Calbert on November 27, 2024.
- Young is scheduled to appear in Nelson Circuit Court for a pretrial conference on March 20, 2026.
A Nelson County Grand Jury has indicted a Bardstown resident on first-degree fentanyl trafficking charges stemming from a fatality that occurred in late 2024. The indictment, returned on October 15, 2025, formally charges 48-year-old Phillip Wayne Young with trafficking in a controlled substance resulting in death.
According to a media release issued by the Bardstown Police Department, prosecutors allege that Young "transferred Fentanyl or a Fentanyl derivative resulting in the death of the victim." The charging documents identify the deceased as Ray Calbert. Authorities stated that the fatal incident took place on November 27, 2024. An online obituary referenced in the report indicates that the victim was 47 years old at the time of his death.
Court records indicate that Young is scheduled to appear in Nelson Circuit Court for a pretrial conference on March 20, 2026. This hearing will establish the procedural timeline as both the prosecution and defense prepare for subsequent litigation regarding the felony allegations.
Procedural Outlook and Legal Standards
This indictment underscores the severe legal ramifications associated with the distribution of opioids when such actions result in a fatality. Charges involving a "death resulting" enhancement typically carry significantly increased sentencing guidelines under state and federal statutes, reflecting a stringent judicial approach to the opioid epidemic. As the case proceeds to the pretrial phase, the court will likely address evidentiary matters and potential plea negotiations. It is important to note that all individuals, including Phillip Wayne Young, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
