Topeka Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking in methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

James Justin Woods, 31, Topeka, Kan., was convicted in a jury trial in December 2012 on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Woods was part of a drug trafficking organization that operated from December 2010 to June 2011 in the Topeka area. In May 2011, investigators used intercepted telephone calls and other surveillance techniques to monitor Woods as he set up a series of meetings with buyers in which he exchanged drugs for money.

At sentencing, prosecutors noted that Woods had a prior felony conviction in 2004 in Shawnee County District Court for possession with intent to distribute narcotics.

Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.