HSI investigation aids in drug trafficking and firearms conviction

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted a previously convicted felon of four counts of methamphetamine trafficking and a firearm offense.

The announcement was made on Friday by the acting U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Kentucky.

George Harrison, 56, of Estill County, Kentucky, was found guilty of three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, all charges contained in an August 2019 indictment.

The investigation was conducted by HSI, DEA, ATF, and Kentucky State Police (KSP).

Evidence at trial established that Harrison sold methamphetamine to KSP in a series of controlled purchases. Specifically, in September 2018, Harrison sold over 50 grams of methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement on three separate occasions. A search of his premises at the time of his arrest uncovered approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine and over $1,000.

Harrison was arrested in September 2019 and detained at the Fayette County Detention Center. While incarcerated, he communicated with his girlfriend through recorded jail phone calls about securing drugs, money, and a firearm that law enforcement did not recover during the search of his house. KSP obtained another search warrant and recovered a 45-caliber pistol, $16,546.00 and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The jury found that the $16,546.00 was forfeitable to the United States, as drug proceeds.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 6, 2021. If the court finds Harrison’s prior Kentucky conviction for complicity to commit murder is a serious violent felony, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in federal prison. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the firearm offense. However, the court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 special agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.