Hindman Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A Hindman, Kentucky man, Gary Amburgey, 46, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to his plea agreement, Amburgey admitted that, from December 2018 through February 2019, he conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Specifically, Amburgey admitted that, through an agreement, he obtained approximately five ounces of methamphetamine to distribute and that law enforcement searches uncovered more than 59 grams of methamphetamine, paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking, a stolen handgun, and a semi-automatic assault rifle. Amburgey also admitted that he purchased a firearm to avoid being robbed, and he knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a prior felony conviction.                       

Amburgey pleaded guilty in February 2020. 

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

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.

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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