Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Drug Trafficking

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Lexington, Ky., man, Chris Williams, 29, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 200 months, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, distribution of fentanyl, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

In August 2022, detectives with the Kentucky State Police received information that Chris Williams was distributing large quantities of fentanyl. During a month-long investigation, KSP purchased approximately 74 grams of fentanyl from Williams. In September 2022, detectives seized a loaded firearm, approximately 76 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 20 grams of pressed fentanyl analogue pills from Williams. Williams admitted he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

Then, in August 2023, detectives with the Lexington Police received information that Williams was again distributing narcotics. In September 2023, following a second investigation, a search warrant was executed at Williams' residence. There, detectives located approximately 60 grams of fentanyl and two firearms. Williams again admitted he possessed the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Under federal law, Williams must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by DEA, KSP, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice's "Project Safe Neighborhoods" Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety - one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

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