Jackson, TN - Wesley Wilson, Jr., 43, has been sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 17, 2018 the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of child abuse. When law enforcement discovered Wilson and his wife Lacy traveling in a red truck, they were stopped and asked to return home. Upon approaching the truck, officers smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and on Wilson’s person. Wilson acknowledged that he had marijuana cigarettes in his pocket. The defendant gave consent for the officers to search his truck and property, including his house and barn. The officers located a black shaving style kit bag in the bed of the truck that smelled strongly of marijuana. Inside was a large quantity of marijuana and approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, in crystal form. Both Wilsons were taken into custody.
Law enforcement located more methamphetamine inside the residence and barns in numerous small packages, along with scales and packaging materials, 4 ounces of methamphetamine, two ounces of marijuana, and numerous firearms, including an AR-15 and a.380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
On Sept. 24, 2019, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Wilson to 140 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. Wilson is also facing state charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Armed drug dealers are a double threat, and this case demonstrates our focus on the priority areas of firearms and narcotics cases that impact public safety in our rural communities. We are pleased that this dangerous offender has been removed from the streets for over 10 years, and we appreciate the partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies in Weakley County."
This case was investigated by the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
