Kansas City, MO – A Kansas City, Missouri man has been sentenced in federal court for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
James Paden, 63, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Tuesday, May 27, to 12 years in federal prison without parole.
Paden was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.
On November 18, 2024, Paden pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On February 22, 2024, investigators of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department executed a search warrant on Paden’s residence after a confidential informant purchased tablets labeled ‘M30’, which contain fentanyl, from Paden on three occasions.
Investigators found a total of over 60 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of cocaine, and 1 gram of methamphetamine. Investigators also found a Smith & Wesson, .38 caliber revolver, a Taurus, G2 Millenium, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a privately manufactured 9mm semi-automatic pistol with no serial number, with a Louis Vuitton design, and $1,000 in cash.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the FBI.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Related Federal Cases
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- Charles V. Bai Charged with Illegal Guns, Meth Trafficking · Ohio
- Raymond Young Gets 18 Years for Deadly Fentanyl Deal · Georgia
- KC Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Illegal Machine Gun in Chase · Missouri
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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