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Local Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking
A federal indictment has been returned against James W. Harris Jr., 56, of Morganfield, Kentucky, for his alleged involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Owensboro area. Harris is accused of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on August 19, 2022.
According to the indictment, Harris was also in possession of a Helwan Brigadier, nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol, which he was prohibited from owning due to a previous felony conviction. In 2004, Harris was convicted of possessing powder cocaine within 1000 feet of public housing and of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, as well as knowingly possessing a firearm.
Harris made his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation into Harris’ alleged activities was conducted by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Union County Sheriff’s office, with assistance from the FBI Owensboro Resident Agency, the Kentucky State Police, the Daviess County/Owensboro Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force, and the Henderson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting this case as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and Harris is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking and related crimes in our community.
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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