Five people have been charged with federal crimes in what authorities claim was a meth-dealing enterprise centered in Barren County.

A Federal indictment unsealed Tuesday charged Jamie Lynn Brown, Tyler Jessie, Benjamin Norris, Joshua Combs and Jonathan Smith with conspiracy to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

The indictment alleges that the five conspired with one another to sell meth in Barren and Hart counties between Feb. 1 and April 20.

The five co-defendants face additional charges in the case, including five counts of aiding and abetting in the possession of five or more grams of meth with the intent to distribute.

Brown is charged with five counts of aiding and abetting, Jessie faces three aiding and abetting counts and Norris is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting.

Combs is charged with possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance. The indictment accuses Combs of unlawfully possessing three handguns and ammunition.

The conspiracy charge is the most serious, carrying a potential maximum penalty of life in prison. The aiding and abetting charges carry a punishment of five to 40 years in prison, but the penalty can be enhanced to life if federal prosecutors file notice that a defendant has had a prior felony drug conviction.

Brown, Jessie and Norris were arraigned Tuesday in U.S. District Court.

— Follow courts reporter Justin Story on Twitter @jstorydailynews or visit bgdailynews.com