Lexington Man Gets 188 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking, Machine Gun Possession

A Lexington man has been sentenced to 188 months in prison for his role in trafficking fentanyl and possessing a machine gun.

James W. Jointer, Jr., 31, of Lexington, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves on Monday for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a machine gun.

According to his plea agreement, Jointer was identified by agents with the ATF in November 2022 as a trafficker of firearms and narcotics. During the investigation, the ATF purchased two firearms and 15.9 grams of pressed fentanyl pills from Jointer. The agency also purchased a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a "Glock" switch, which was tested and confirmed to convert a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic firearm.

Jointer was aware that he had a prior felony conviction for trafficking in a controlled substance first degree in Fayette Circuit Court from 2015, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Under federal law, Jointer 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.

Jointer’s crimes have significant consequences for the community. Fentanyl trafficking has led to a surge in overdose deaths across the country, and the possession of a machine gun poses a significant threat to public safety.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing.

The sentencing of Jointer is a significant blow to those involved in the trafficking of fentanyl and the possession of machine guns. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement is committed to holding individuals accountable for their crimes and keeping our communities safe.

RELATED: Louisville Dealer Gets Over 15 Years for Meth Distribution