SPRINGFIELD, MO – Justin Thomas Hollingsworth, 40, is headed to federal prison for 18 years after admitting his central role in a Greene County methamphetamine distribution ring and illegally packing heat while doing it. U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes handed down the sentence today, signaling a hard line against drug peddlers who also endanger the public with illegal firearms.
Hollingsworth pleaded guilty back on August 23, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The investigation, a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, and the Springfield Police Department, revealed a lucrative operation that saw Hollingsworth rake in over $30,000 in a single month slinging meth.
The first raid, executed on June 29, 2022, at Hollingsworth’s residence, turned up a veritable drug den. Officers discovered 342.4 grams of methamphetamine stashed in a black zipper case on his bed, along with another 23 grams and related drug paraphernalia. But it wasn’t just drugs; a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol, two loaded magazines, seven baggies of assorted prescription pills, and a staggering $17,766 in cash were also seized – all of which the court ordered forfeited to the government. More meth was found scattered throughout the house.
The law didn’t let up. Less than a month later, on August 25, 2022, Hollingsworth was apprehended again, this time outside a local hotel. A search of his vehicle revealed approximately three pounds of methamphetamine, another loaded Ruger 9mm pistol, a high-capacity drum magazine crammed with 39 rounds, a box of additional ammunition, and a baggie of marijuana. Inside his hotel room, officers found a loaded Smith & Wesson .380-caliber handgun with an extended magazine, more methamphetamine and marijuana, and another $14,156 in cash – also forfeited.
Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Hollingsworth was responsible for the distribution of nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan led the prosecution, emphasizing the dangerous combination of drug trafficking and illegal firearms. The 18-year sentence, without the possibility of parole, sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Missouri.
This case underscores the ongoing battle against methamphetamine distribution in the Midwest and the continued effort to remove dangerous criminals and their weapons from the streets. The coordinated investigation highlights the importance of federal, state, and local law enforcement working together to combat organized crime and protect communities from the scourge of illegal drugs and gun violence.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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