Walter Griffin, Methamphetamine Possession, Tennessee 2018

Benton County Career Criminal Sentenced to 18 Years for Methamphetamine Possession

A Benton County man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Walter Griffin, 43, of Benton County, TN, was sentenced to 220 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, on October 30, 2020.

Griffin was arrested on June 15, 2018, after a brief pursuit by a Benton County Sheriff's deputy. The deputy had prior knowledge that Griffin had an active warrant in Dickson County for failing to appear and an active Tennessee state parole violation warrant. A search of Griffin's vehicle revealed 75 grams of crystal methamphetamine, five oxycodone pills, eight hydrocodone pills, digital scales, and a pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.

The crystal methamphetamine was packaged for resale in 13 separate bags and had a purity level of 98%, as confirmed by a DEA laboratory. Griffin has an extensive criminal history with prior felony convictions for selling methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell, making him a career drug offender under federal law.

Griffin pled guilty to possessing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on May 3, 2019. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant stated that recidivist drug dealers who profit from the pain, addiction, violence, and death caused by these dangerous substances deserve proper punishment. The Benton County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Josh Morrow prosecuting on behalf of the government.

Griffin's sentence is a significant blow to the illicit methamphetamine trade in West Tennessee. His inability to conform to the law and cease his criminal activity presents a significant risk to public safety. With the federal prison sentence, Griffin will spend 18 years behind bars for his crimes.

Griffin's case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of methamphetamine on small towns and rural communities. It is a harsh reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit activities and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

By holding career criminals like Griffin accountable, we can work towards a safer and more just community for all. This sentence is a step in the right direction towards reducing the grip of methamphetamine on our communities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/benton-county-career-criminal-sentenced-18-years-possession-intent-distribute-over-50