Owensboro, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms Offenses

Owensboro, KY – An Owensboro, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 12 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Sheila G. Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division made the announcement.

According to court documents, Montae Goodnight, 37, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On November 29, 2022, Goodnight distributed 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture. On January 20, 2023, Goodnight possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it and possessed a Taurus, model 740 Slim, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition. Goodnight was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On August 22, 2006, in Daviess Circuit Court, Goodnight was convicted of robbery in the second degree.

On April 7, 2008, in United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Owensboro Division, Goodnight was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

On or about October 2, 2013, in Daviess Circuit Court, Goodnight was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.

On June 29, 2018, in Daviess Circuit Court, Goodnight was convicted of possession of controlled substances.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the DEA Evansville Resident Office with assistance from the Owensboro Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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