Local Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth Trafficking
Springfield, MO – In a shocking turn of events, Christopher Kelley, a 43-year-old Springfield man, has been sentenced to 16 years and 6 months in federal prison without parole for his role in a massive methamphetamine trafficking operation.
According to court documents, Kelley pleaded guilty to one count of possessing more than 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The investigation began on March 11, 2021, when Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Kelley’s residence and seized a staggering amount of evidence, including more than 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and $6,842 in cash.
Kelley’s downfall came when he told investigators that he had been purchasing approximately four to six pounds of methamphetamine each week from his source over the past five or six months.
This is not Kelley’s first run-in with the law. He has prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance, distributing methamphetamine near a school, and unlawful possession of a firearm. At the time of this offense, he was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for the revocation of his probation in an unrelated state case for his felony conviction of property damage.
Kelley’s sentencing marks the culmination of a thorough investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Michael Brown prosecuted the case, bringing Kelley to justice for his crimes.
Defendant: Christopher Kelley
Criminal Charges: Possessing more than 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
City and State: Springfield, MO
Date: July 20, 2023 (sentencing)
Sentence: 16 years and 6 months in federal prison without parole
Dollar Amounts: $6,842 in cash
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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