ICE HSI-led investigation results in federal drug charges
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Kentucky man was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges relating to heroin and methamphetamine distribution.
The charges were announced Tuesday by HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr. and the acting U.S. Attorney for the western district of Kentucky.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working with the Marion County (Kentucky) Sheriff’s Department.
“HSI agents, partnering with local law enforcement, were able to remove dangerous drugs from the streets and prevent the alleged perpetrator from endangering others through distribution of these illegal substances,” said SAC Temple.
According to court documents, Jerry Lee Bright, 62, of Marion County, Kentucky, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“The allegations contained in the indictment are serious controlled substance offenses,” stated acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. “I commend the work and partnership of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and HSI during the investigation of this case.”
If convicted, Bright faces a mandatory prison sentence of 5 years, up to a maximum of 40 years, for each count. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HSI is a directorate of 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.
Updated: