Jerry Wayne Threatt II: Armed Career Criminal and Drug Dealer

Liberty, Kentucky, is reeling after the conviction of Jerry Wayne Threatt II, 39, a convicted felon who admitted to selling crystal methamphetamine and firearms out of his home and in local parking lots. Threatt, a repeat offender with a long history of violent and drug-related crimes, pleaded guilty to all ten counts in a federal indictment, including being an armed career criminal, distribution of a controlled substance, and illegal firearm possession.

The charges stem from three separate incidents in September and October 2015, during which Threatt sold crystal meth and handguns to a confidential informant. On September 8 and September 30, 2015, he conducted transactions from his Liberty residence. Then, on October 23, 2015, he was caught on video selling a firearm and drugs in broad daylight at a grocery store parking lot—brazen conduct that federal investigators say shows his disregard for the law.

Threatt’s guilty plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Greg N. Stivers on October 11, 2016, locks in an 180-month federal prison sentence. He remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is scheduled for formal sentencing in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on January 5, 2017, at 10 a.m. CST. Prosecutors say the sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and his status as a repeat offender under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

As part of the plea agreement, Threatt must forfeit a string of assets tied to his criminal enterprise. The seized property includes a vehicle, $3,290 in U.S. currency, and a cache of firearms: a Jimenez Arms 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a KELTEC 9mm pistol, a Para-Ordinance Model P16 40 caliber pistol, a Hi-Point Model JH 45 caliber pistol, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and a Remington Model 1100 12-gauge shotgun.

The case was aggressively pursued by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Ream and investigated by a multi-agency task force including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kentucky State Police (DESI West), and the Casey County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities say the collaboration was key to dismantling a persistent source of illegal guns and drugs in a rural community plagued by substance abuse.

U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr., emphasized that the prosecution sends a clear message: “Individuals like Jerry Wayne Threatt II, who repeatedly violate federal law and endanger public safety, will be met with the full force of the justice system.” With sentencing looming, federal officials hope this case serves as a warning to other armed career criminals operating in Central Appalachia.