Albany Man Sentenced To 27 Years For Trafficking Methamphetamine

Kenneth E. Thornton, age 36, of Albany, Georgia was sentenced September 24, 2015 to 324 months (27 years) imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.

During the investigation, authorities determined that Mr. Thornton previously owned a sheet metal and air conditioner repair business in the Albany/Leesburg area. In 2013, he began to establish a wholesale network for the distribution of methamphetamine, operating out of Panama City, Florida. He had a source of supply in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and, by utilizing a group of associates, distributed methamphetamine in the Albany, Georgia and Panama City, Florida areas. Mr. Thornton became a significant trafficker, utilizing couriers and vehicles equipped with lock boxes secured to the underside of vehicles, in order to transport the drugs.

He pled guilty on April 9, 2015 and was held accountable for 15 to 45 kilograms of methamphetamine.          

“Through the strong partnerships between state, local, and federal agencies Mr. Thornton’s drug distribution network was dismantled,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.  “Methamphetamine is a scourge in our communities, and we must continue to do everything we can to stop its distribution at the source.”

Investigating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Agency--Columbus, GA and Panama City, FL, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation -- Sylvester, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives--Columbus, and the Sheriff’s Departments in Coweta, Lee and Quitman counties in Georgia and Bay County Florida. Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.