Final Defendant Sentenced in Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
Owensboro, KY – Ryan Compton, the remaining defendant in a federal drug conspiracy, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and for distributing methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, beginning on or about November 19, 2020, and continuing to on or about December 14, 2020, Ryan Compton, 32, of Owensboro, KY, conspired with Christopher Berry, 41, of Harned, KY, to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture. Compton also distributed 83 grams of methamphetamine to another person on December 2, 2020.
Berry was previously sentenced on August 13, 2021, to 15 ½ years in federal prison for engaging in the same conspiracy with Compton. Berry was also sentenced for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and possessing a handgun as a convicted felon. Berry’s prior felony convictions were for two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree.
“Excellent investigative work by the ATF Bowling Green Office, the Kentucky State Police, and the Henderson Police Department, stated Michael A. Bennett, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. This office, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will continue to root out and aggressively prosecute those who poison our communities with illicit drugs.”
“Many families in Kentucky have endured pain and suffering due to the drug crisis plaguing our nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division. “ATF is committed to making our communities safer. This investigation demonstrates that federal, state, and local law enforcement work closely to pursue drug dealers who use guns. I commend the Kentucky State Police, the Henderson Police Department, the ATF Bowling Green Office and the prosecution team for their hard work in bringing these offenders to justice.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kentucky State Police, and the Henderson Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office prosecuted the case.
