Breathitt Co. Felon Gets 180-Month Sentence for Drug Smuggling & Gun Law Violation

Lexington, Ky. — In a grim reminder of the harsh penalties for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession, Phillip Lovins, 61, of Clayhole, Kentucky, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves on Friday.

Lovins entered guilty pleas last year to being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession with intent to distribute Methadone. According to court documents, Lovins had a long history of criminal activity, including four counts of Trafficking a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

In May 2019, law enforcement discovered Lovins in possession of several boxes of ammunition, a 9 mm pistol, a 270 caliber rifle, and 100 Methadone tablets. He confessed to obtaining the methadone from his supplier on multiple occasions and selling the pills to others.

The investigation into Lovins was led by the ATF, Kentucky State Police (KSP), and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West represented the United States in this case.

Under federal law, Lovins is required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Upon release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years.

The joint announcement was made by Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division; Rodney Brewer, Commissioner of KSP; and Rich Storm, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Department of Justice celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, learn more at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.