News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2008

DEA News: Cadiz Man Gets 12 Years For Drug Trafficking

MAY 16 -- (Paducah, KY) - The DEA today announced that Robert L. Carter was sentenced to over 12 years in prison for drug trafficking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On August 22, 2005, in the Western District of Kentucky, Trigg County, Kentucky, Robert Carter possessed with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. Specifically, on this date, Kentucky State Police (KSP) found approximately 5 ounces of methamphetamine in a vehicle in which Carter was a passenger. Lab results confirmed the methamphetamine weighed 141.47 net grams which consisted of 84.6 net grams of pure methamphetamine. KSP also found a loaded Keltec 9mm Lugar pistol under the car seat. Carter admitted at the scene that the gun belonged to him.

In December, 2005, Marshall County Sheriff's detectives utilized a confidential informant (CI) to purchase methamphetamine from Carter. Lab results confirmed that the methamphetamine from the controlled purchase weighed 6.25 net grams. Another controlled purchase was attempted by the Sheriff's department on January 9, 2006, but Carter did not go through with the deal as he told the CI that he was nervous.

During a later interview with law enforcement, Carter admitted that he possessed the 141 grams of meth on August 22, 2005 with the intent to distribute it. Carter also admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking, namely for protection of his drugs and money. During his change of plea, Carter also admitted that he was conspiring with others during the time frame mentioned in Count one in that during this period of time, Carter would obtain methamphetamine from his source of supply and sell it to others in the Western District of Kentucky.

The 148 grams of methamphetamine illegally possessed and/or distributed by Carter during the time of the charged conspiracy had a street value of approximately $14,800.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele Thielhorn and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in partnership with Kentucky State Police and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.