James A. Phelps, Distributing Fluorofentanyl, Kentucky 2022

Punisher of the Streets: Richmond Man Sentenced for Distributing Fluorofentanyl

LEXINGTON, Ky. – In a move to keep the streets safer, a Richmond, Ky., man, James A. Phelps, 42, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence for distributing the deadly controlled substance fluorofentanyl.

Phelps was sentenced to 220 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves on Friday. The harsh sentence comes after the defendant pleaded guilty to distributing fluorofentanyl on multiple occasions. According to the plea agreement, Phelps sold an ounce of suspected heroin to a confidential informant on December 6, 2022, which was later found to contain 27.919 grams of fluorofentanyl.

Phelps’ crimes didn’t stop there. On November 16, 2022, and January 18, 2023, he sold the confidential informant additional amounts of fluorofentanyl and other controlled substances. Each of those sales involved approximately 28 grams of fluorofentanyl. Phelps admitted to knowing that the substance he distributed contained a controlled substance.

Phelps has a history of drug-related offenses, having been convicted of a felony drug offense, distribution of cocaine, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in 2011. The severity of his crimes and his prior conviction likely contributed to the length of his sentence.

Under federal law, Phelps 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 six years. The DEA, with the assistance of the AHIDTA, conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

The sentencing of James A. Phelps serves as a reminder of the dangers of distributing controlled substances and the consequences that come with it. The Grimy Times will continue to keep a close eye on this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

The investigation into Phelps’ crimes was a collaborative effort between the DEA and the AHIDTA. The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in keeping our communities safe.

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