Johnny J. Shands, Heroin Trafficking, Kentucky 2015

Covington Man Sentenced to 200 Months for Trafficking Heroin

A Covington, Ky., man has been sentenced to 200 months for distributing heroin in Kenton County. Johnny J. Shands, 200 months in prison for distribution of heroin, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amul Thapar on Friday.

Shands’ criminal history qualified him as a career offender and led to an enhanced sentence. His prior convictions include weapons offenses and trafficking cocaine. Under federal law, Shands must serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence; and following the completion of his sentence, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 12 years.

According to court records, Shands sold heroin to undercover officers, on multiple occasions, in early 2015. Authorities conducted searches at multiple residences and found cash, heroin and fentanyl that belonged to Shands. Shands pled guilty in July and admitted that he distributed between 100 and 400 grams of heroin.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted this case on behalf of the federal government.

Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Howard S. Marshall, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat heroin trafficking in Kenton County. The investigation and prosecution demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold individuals accountable for their crimes.

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