Forrest County Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

Gulfport, Miss. – Samuel Lee Smith, 40, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 130 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Smith was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

In January and February 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made three undercover purchases of highly pure methamphetamine or "ice" from Smith in Hattiesburg. In total, Smith sold 135.76 grams of pure methamphetamine to an informant. Smith has three prior felonies and was on state parole at the time of the offense.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.