Two Memphis Men Sentenced to a total of 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin

Memphis, TN – Two Memphis men have been sentenced to a total of 244 months imprisonment for distributing heroin. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in August and September of 2017, Bartlett Police determined Mark Keith to be a heroin dealer in the Memphis area. After an investigation, Keith was arrested with a substantial amount of heroin and methamphetamines on his person. On October 3, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamines both in violation of Title 21 United States Code 841 (a)(1).

Between June and July of 2017, Bartlett Police received information that Frederick Hamilton was dealing heroin in North Memphis. After an investigation from law enforcement, Hamilton was arrested while trying to flee and found with heroin on his person. On November 21, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging possession with intent to distribute heroin in violation of Title 21 United States Code 841 (a)(1).

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Heroin is a deadly drug that is destroying countless lives across the country and right here in West Tennessee. Drug dealers who sow addiction and death into our communities by selling this poison will reap long prison sentences for their selfish and lawless conduct."

Both men pleaded guilty. On June 21, 2018, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced both Keith and Hamilton; Keith to 144 months imprisonment and Hamilton 100 months in federal prison.

These cases were investigated by the Bartlett Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph F. Griffith prosecuted these cases on the government’s behalf.

###