Ohio Man Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

LONDON, Ky. - A Hamilton, Ohio, man, Charles Sparks, 60, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 200 months for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to his plea agreement, on April 4, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Sparks and recovered approximately 12 ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, and a loaded firearm. In pleading guilty, Sparks admitted to transporting the methamphetamine to sell it and to possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

Under federal law, Sparks 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 eight years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff's Office, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF, KSP, and Laurel County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt 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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