LEXINGTON, KY – James W. Jointer, Jr., 31, is headed to federal prison for over 15 years after being sentenced on Monday to 188 months for a cocktail of serious federal offenses. Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves handed down the sentence, stemming from Jointer’s involvement in both fentanyl trafficking and the illegal possession of a machinegun. The case, built by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), underscores the growing nexus between drug dealing and dangerous weapons in the Bluegrass State.
According to court documents, the ATF began investigating Jointer in November 2022, quickly identifying him as a source for both firearms and narcotics. Agents didn’t just suspect – they bought. Over the course of the investigation, ATF agents purchased two firearms and 15.9 grams of pressed fentanyl pills directly from Jointer. But the firearms weren’t the end of it. They also acquired a so-called “Glock” switch, a device that transforms a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun.
The “Glock” switch, confirmed by ATF testing to be a functional machinegun conversion device, is a particularly troubling element of the case. These devices are increasingly turning up in violent crimes across the country, allowing criminals to rapidly fire weapons designed for controlled, single shots. Federal law is clear: possession of such a device is possession of a machinegun, a far more serious charge.
Adding to the severity of the situation, Jointer was already a convicted felon. He had a prior felony conviction for trafficking in a controlled substance first degree from Fayette Circuit Court in 2015. This meant, under federal law, he was already prohibited from possessing any firearms. Despite this, he continued to operate as a trafficker, brazenly flouting the law and putting the community at risk.
U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV, for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing. Shier’s office has been aggressive in pursuing firearms and drug offenses, signaling a commitment to tackling violent crime in the region. Jointer will serve at least 85 percent of his 188-month sentence, and upon release, will face six years of supervised probation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case. The investigation was handled entirely by the ATF Louisville Field Division, highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms and narcotics. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of combining deadly drugs with illegally modified weaponry, and the relentless pursuit of justice by federal law enforcement.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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