Final Defendant in Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison

Paducah, KY – The final member of a three-man methamphetamine distribution conspiracy was sentenced yesterday for his role in the conspiracy. All three men were also convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.

According to court documents, David Earl McElya, 44, a man with ties to both Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky, conspired with Patrick Alexander Lusco, 42, of Louisville, Kentucky, and Kevin Ray Roberts, 47, of Benton, Kentucky, to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Western District of Kentucky. All three men were also convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. 

Yesterday, McElya was sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Lusco was previously sentenced on November 8, 2022, to 12 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Roberts was also sentenced on November 8, 2022, to 10 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“This case demonstrates the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at all levels – federal, state, and local,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. I commend our law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigative work in this matter and AUSA Hancock for his leadership during the successful prosecution of this case.”

This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah post of duty and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Metropolis, Illinois Police Department, the Massac County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois Gaming Bureau, the Kentucky State Police, and the Greater Hardin County, Kentucky Drug Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

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