Crittenden County, Kentucky, Felon Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Possession And Distribution Of Methamphetamine

PADUCAH, Ky. – A Crittenden County, Kentucky, convicted felon was sentenced in U.S. District Court this week, by Senior Judge Thomas B. Russell, to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for multiple charges related to the possession and distribution of methamphetamine announced David J. Hale, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.

Barry Kenton Beard remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing yesterday in Paducah. Beard pleaded guilty to all four charges in the federal indictment on May 15, 2014. According to the plea agreement, Beard admitted that between August 2012, and December 15, 2012, he conspired with others, including Crystal Green and Mitch Duckett, to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, Beard admitted that he knowingly aided in the maintenance and use of a home located on Tom Miner Road in Marion, Kentucky, for the purpose of storing and distributing methamphetamine. Beard also admitted to being a convicted felon in possession of a DPMS model A15, .223 semi-automatic rifle. In September, 2010, Beard was convicted in Crittenden County Circuit Court of fleeing or evading police, possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. In August, 2004, Beard was convicted of aggravated assault in the 4th degree (spouse abuse) in Crittenden County Circuit Court.

If convicted at trial, Beard could have been sentenced to a combined minimum sentence of ten years in prison and up to and including a maximum sentence of life in prison.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac Shannon and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kentucky State Police.