LUBBOCK, Texas — A former Texas Tech University professor and four others pleaded guilty Thursday for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking ring involving two variations of the drug known as “Ghost” and “Pink Flamingo,” according to federal court records.
Mackenzie Gilcrease, 28, Madelyn Gunn, 29, Alisha Red-Eagle, 21, and Marissa Lopez, 23, pleaded guilty.
According to court documents, Daniel Taylor, 50, is being charged with conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl. Stipulated facts of the incidents show that in June 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Caprock High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area began investigating Taylor and the other co-defendants. Agents conducted surveillance at Taylor’s residence to observe Taylor’s movements.
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In January 2026, DEA members conducted surveillance of Taylor exiting his residence with a female suspect, later identified as Lopez, and followed them as they drove to the Executive Inn at 4401 Avenue Q. At the Executive Inn, Taylor and Lopez picked up a second female suspect, later identified as Red-Eagle.
In January 2026, Lubbock authorities stopped Taylor’s vehicle for a traffic violation. During the stop, a male passenger appeared to be experiencing a drug overdose allegedly linked to Red-Eagle. Officers searched the vehicle and found five fentanyl pills, a clear baggie of fentanyl, five aluminum foil wrappers with fentanyl residue, and a pink baggie of fentanyl powder…