Anthony Michaelis, Armed Drug Trafficking, Kentucky 2022

Armed Drug Trafficking in Northern Kentucky: Two Men Sentenced to Prison

Covington, KY – In a recent development, two Northern Kentucky men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in armed drug trafficking. Anthony Michaelis, 34, and Blake Barnes, 23, were found guilty of possessing controlled substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, with the intent to distribute them, as well as brandishing a firearm in furtherance of their drug trafficking.

According to the plea agreement, on January 16, 2022, individuals at a Circle K store in Dayton, KY, approached police and reported that Michaelis and Barnes had offered to sell them controlled substances. During this encounter, Michaelis pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the group. Law enforcement subsequently located Michaelis and Barnes and recovered the handgun. Barnes was found with over 12 grams of fentanyl and over 3 grams of actual methamphetamine, while Michaelis had a bag of white powder containing over 23 grams of cocaine in his pants pocket.

Michaelis has a previous history of felony convictions, including robbery, assaulting a police officer, and assaulting a prison inmate. Under federal law, both men must serve 85% of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, Michaelis will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years, and Barnes will be under supervision for five years.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Dayton Police Department; and the Covington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke.

Anthony Michaelis was sentenced to 258 months in federal prison, while Blake Barnes received a 60-month sentence. The crime occurred in Northern Kentucky, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug trafficking in the region.

The case serves as a reminder of the severity of the consequences for those involved in armed drug trafficking. The U.S. Probation Office will oversee Michaelis’ and Barnes’ supervision after their release from prison, ensuring they comply with the terms of their release.

In a joint statement, officials from the Eastern District of Kentucky, the ATF, the Dayton Police Department, and the Covington Police Department announced the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of their collaborative efforts in addressing the issue of armed drug trafficking in the region.

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