Michael E. Hunt Jr., Fentanyl Trafficking, Missouri 2022

A Columbia, Mo., man will spend the next 15 years behind bars for his role in trafficking fentanyl in Springfield, Mo., according to a federal court sentencing.

Michael E. Hunt, Jr., 43, was handed down the 15-year sentence by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. The conviction came after a lengthy investigation by law enforcement, which culminated in a traffic stop on June 12, 2022, on Highway 5 in Laclede County, Mo.

During the stop, a Laclede County sheriff’s deputy observed Hunt driving a black Jeep Renegade, which led to the deputy pulling him over for a moving violation. Following the traffic stop, a police service dog alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle, prompting Hunt to lock the Jeep and refuse to give officers the keys.

A local tow company was eventually called to unlock the vehicle, allowing officers to search the Jeep. Inside, they found a black gym bag on the front passenger seat containing approximately 300 grams of fentanyl.

The large quantity of fentanyl is consistent with distribution and not merely personal use, according to law enforcement officials. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Beaver and Anthony M. Brown, who worked closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Laclede County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

The evidence presented in court demonstrated Hunt’s intent to distribute the fentanyl, leading to his conviction and subsequent sentencing. The 15-year sentence serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of engaging in fentanyl trafficking.

Missouri residents can rest a little easier knowing that individuals involved in fentanyl trafficking are being held accountable. The efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors have undoubtedly saved lives and disrupted the flow of deadly fentanyl into our communities.

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