Kenneth Ison, Jr., Methamphetamine Trafficking, Kentucky 2024

Webbville Man Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegal Firearm Possession

ASHLAND, Ky. - On Monday, Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning sentenced Kenneth Ison, Jr., 55, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to his plea agreement, in September 2024, the Kentucky State Police, assisted by the Grayson Police Department, obtained a search warrant for Kenneth Ison’s residence in Lawrence County and a vehicle used by Ison. During the search, officers located approximately 168 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 33 grams of suspected fentanyl, and marijuana; subsequent lab testing confirmed the presence of at least 76 grams of actual methamphetamine and 26 grams of actual fentanyl.

In addition to the narcotics, officers seized 17 firearms, one of which was stolen. At the time of his arrest, Ison was on parole for a prior felony conviction of trafficking in a controlled substance from the Carter Circuit Court; as a felon, Ison was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Ison admitted that he possessed the narcotics with intent to distribute them, and that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

Under federal law, Ison must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF, KSP, and Grayson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.

According to the sentencing guidelines, Kenneth Ison, Jr. must serve 120 months in prison. He was sentenced on Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning. Kenneth Ison, Jr. is currently serving his sentence. His address was Webbville, Ky. The city and state of the crime are Ashland, Ky. The case was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Kentucky. The investigation was conducted in Lawrence County. Kenneth Ison, Jr. is a 55-year-old man from Webbville, Ky. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kenneth Ison, Jr. was arrested in September 2024. His sentencing date was not specified in the source.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/pr/lawrence-county-man-sentenced-armed-methamphetamine-trafficking-and-illegal-firearm