Estill Co. Man Gets 180-Month Sentence for Meth, Felon Gun

Lexington, Ky.—In a gritty blow to the local drug trade, George Harrison, 56, from Irvine, Kentucky, was handed a 180-month sentence in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell this week for methamphetamine trafficking and illegal firearm possession.

Harrison, convicted of three counts of distributing over 50 grams of meth, one count of intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon, was caught selling the drug to an informant in a series of controlled purchases. His arrest in September 2019 yielded 12 grams of meth and $1,000, while evidence emerged that Harrison had been planning further criminal activities from behind bars.

Further investigation led to the recovery of a 45-caliber pistol, over 500 grams of meth, and nearly $17,000 in drug proceeds, with the jury finding the money forfeitable. Harrison was sentenced to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being released under U.S. Probation Office supervision for another decade.

United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV, and law enforcement officials from DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, and Kentucky State Police were present at the sentencing announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield represented the United States in this case.

The investigation into Harrison’s criminal enterprise was a collaborative effort between multiple federal agencies and state police, showcasing the coordinated efforts to combat drug trafficking in Kentucky.

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