Jarrett Howard, Armed Drug Trafficking, Kentucky 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A 56-year-old Detroit man, Jarrett Howard, has been sentenced to 300 months in prison for his involvement in armed drug trafficking in Madison County, Kentucky.

According to testimony at trial, in November 2021, law enforcement received information that Howard was responsible for distributing fentanyl in the area. Following this information, they conducted a search of his residence, finding 285 grams of fentanyl, 416 grams of cocaine, and two loaded firearms. Additionally, investigators discovered a digital scale and $34,450 at the location.

Howard, who is a convicted felon, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms as a convicted felon, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell handed down the 300-month sentence, which is a significant blow to Howard’s future. Under federal law, Howard must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence before he is eligible for release.

Upon his release from prison, Howard will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years, as mandated by the court. This lengthy sentence serves as a stark reminder to those involved in armed drug trafficking that law enforcement will relentlessly pursue justice.

A joint statement was released by Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); Chief Rodney Richardson, Richmond Police Department; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, commending the collaborative effort in bringing Howard to justice.

The investigation was a multi-agency effort, conducted by DEA, ATF, KSP, Richmond Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States, ensuring that justice was served.

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