Kentucky man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug and gun crimes in Massac County

BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois district judge sentenced a Kentucky man to 15 years in federal prison for possessing more than 150 grams of meth and a firearm as a felon.

James W. Towery, 45, of Salem, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute meth and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

“Armed drug dealers belong in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Southern Illinois communities are safer with this defendant locked up.”

According to court documents, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Towery’s vehicle on March 11, 2024, in Massac County. He was found in possession of 150.4 grams of actual meth and a .38 caliber handgun.

Towery had multiple prior felony convictions and therefore unable to legally possess a firearm.

The Illinois State Police, Kentucky State Police, DEA, HSI, ATF and local law enforcement contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.