Lasherica Thornton, Jackson Sun Published 6:55 a.m. CT July 17, 2020 | Updated 5:26 a.m. CT July 19, 2020<\/p>\n
File photo.(Photo: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n
A WeakleyCo. man was sentenced to more than 20 years for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine following a 2018 investigation, according to a Thursday press release.<\/p>\n
Keith Norris, 32 of Dresden, Tennessee, will spend 23 years in a federal prison for the charge, followed by five years of supervised release for the distribution of more than 296 oz. or 4.5 kilograms of meth.<\/p>\n
Its the second sentencing in a case of conspiracy to distribute meth. The defendants Norris, Robert Thomas, Charles Settles, Justin Tyler Bynum and Solomon Clay face charges; Thomas was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release for his role in the conspiracy.<\/p>\n
\"Drug distribution conspiracies are not victimless crimes, U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant said. Methamphetamine causes significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths.<\/p>\n
Individuals who distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide, and those who choose to engage in such lawlessness will pay the price with a long prison sentence.<\/p>\n
The Weakley County Sheriffs Department started an investigation into Norris for allegedly leading a drug trafficking organization. The investigation included search warrants, traffic stops, phone records and statements from people cooperating.<\/p>\n
Norris was allegedly distributing meth to the five co-defendants. Investigators executed two searches at Norris house.<\/p>\n
An April 2018 search recovered meth and more than $1,300. At a June 2018 search, investigators found Norris trying to destroy drug evidence. Police still recovered 4.5 ounces of meth, the release said.<\/p>\n
When arrested, Norris claimed ownership of the drugs and let agents search his cell phone.<\/p>\n
Based on his statement, Norris was held accountable for distributing 296 ounces of actual methamphetamine, which equates to over 4.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine, the release said.<\/p>\n
Lasherica Thornton is The Jackson Sun's education reporter. Reach her at 731-343-9133or by email at lthornton@jacksonsun.com<\/a>. Follow her on Twitter: @LashericaT<\/p>\n Read or Share this story: https:\/\/www.jacksonsun.com\/story\/news\/local\/2020\/07\/17\/weakly-co-man-gets-23-years-federal-prison-distributing-meth\/5457058002\/<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read more: <\/p>\n Weakley Co. man sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for distributing meth - The Jackson Sun<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Lasherica Thornton, Jackson Sun Published 6:55 a.m. CT July 17, 2020 | Updated 5:26 a.m. CT July 19, 2020 File photo.(Photo: Getty Images\/iStockphoto) A WeakleyCo. Continue reading