Kenneth S Embry, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Kentucky 2024

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Kenneth S. Embry, 33, of Russellville, Kentucky, is back behind federal crosshairs — this time for armed drug trafficking — after previously benefiting from an executive commutation by former Gov. Matt Bevin on a felony drug conviction. The latest charges expose a cycle of crime and clemency now shattered by federal prosecution.

Embry was named in a three-count federal indictment unsealed today, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The indictment stems from a targeted operation by the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force, which raided a motel room and vehicle tied to Embry on or about April 1, 2020.

During the search, law enforcement recovered approximately 166 grams of crystal methamphetamine and a loaded Colt .380 semiautomatic pistol from Embry’s car. Inside the motel room, agents found digital scales, unused plastic baggies, smoking devices, and a plastic bag containing a brown powder suspected to be heroin — all hallmarks of a functioning drug distribution operation.

Embry is no stranger to felony convictions. Court records show prior convictions in Logan County Circuit Court, specifically cases 13-CR-00009 and 19-CR-00054, both for possession of a controlled substance. As a convicted felon, he is legally barred from possessing firearms — a fact that now fuels two of the three federal charges against him.

U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman made no apologies for the swift action. “This is the type of collaboration that those we serve should expect from the new U.S. Attorney’s Office Bowling Green Branch working alongside our partners in the recently federally-designated South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force,” Coleman said, emphasizing interagency coordination in the crackdown.

If convicted, Embry faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the meth distribution charge. The firearm charge carries up to 10 years, while possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking mandates a consecutive sentence of no less than 5 years and up to life. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Yurchisin and investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, newly designated under the Appalachia HIDTA program by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

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