LONDON, Ky. - Dylan Brewer, 23, of Harlan County, was sentenced Wednesday to 200 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Robert Wier for possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to the plea agreement, law enforcement stopped Brewer’s vehicle in Bell County, Kentucky, on July 13, 2019, and found nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm hidden in a speaker box in the back seat. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Brewer had been obtaining methamphetamine in Georgia and traveling to Harlan County to distribute it in the area. 

Under federal law, Brewer must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office following his release.

“Methamphetamine trafficking goes hand in hand with violent crime,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our Office is committed to holding accountable drug dealers who distribute this poison, particularly those who do so while unlawfully possessing a firearm. This prosecution should serve as a stern warning for those who peddle dangerous drugs into Eastern Kentucky- when you are convicted you will serve significant prison time for your crime.”    

U.S. Attorney Duncan; Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Rodney Brewer, Commissioner of Kentucky State Police; Chief Kyle Dunn, Pineville Police Department; Sheriff Mitch Williams, Bell County Sheriff’s Department; and Sheriff Mike Smith, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by DEA, KSP, Pineville Police Department, Bell County Sheriff’s Department, and Knox County Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew H. Trimble.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LAUREL, Ky. - Dylan Brewer, 23, of Harlan County, pleaded guilty Monday to possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward B. Atkins. 

 According to the plea agreement, law enforcement stopped Brewer’s vehicle in Bell County, Kentucky, on July 13, and found two kilograms of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm hidden in a speaker box in the back seat. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Brewer had been obtaining methamphetamine in Georgia and traveling to Harlan County to distribute it. 

“Reducing the availability of dangerous drugs and protecting the public are two of our most important priorities,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Prosecuting armed methamphetamine traffickers, like the defendant, satisfies both. This prosecution, and others like it, reinforce a simple message:  dealing meth with a gun will likely result in a long stay in a federal prison.” 

U.S. Attorney Duncan; Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Richard Sanders, Commissioner of Kentucky State Police; Kyle Dunn, Pineville Police Chief; Mitch Williams, Bell County Sheriff; and Mike Smith, Knox County Sheriff, jointly announced the guilty plea. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew H. Trimble. 

Brewer’s sentencing hearing has not yet been set. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with a maximum of life, and a maximum fine of $20 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

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