A local man, Terrell Trammell, age 28, was sentenced on February 24, 2023 to 29 years and four months years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, distribution of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and assaulting, impeding, or interfering with a federal officer. Trammell was convicted by a federal jury following a four-day trial in November 2022.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Maynard of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the trial, between July 2020, and November 5, 2020, Trammell conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and heroin in the Louisville area. On October 9, 2020, Trammell sold fentanyl to an undercover informant in southern Jefferson County. Trammell, who was a multi-time convicted felon, utilized juveniles to assist in possessing and distributing fentanyl and heroin, as well as in possessing and handling firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On November 5, 2020, agents and detectives with the FBI, ATF, HSI, and LMPD attempted to execute a search warrant at an apartment in the Valley Station area of Louisville, which Trammell and other conspirators were using to store fentanyl, heroin, and firearms. Prior to execution of the warrant, Trammell and a 16-year-old crashed their vehicle into an FBI agent, injuring and pinning the agent between two vehicles. Agents ultimately seized an AR-style pistol, a Glock 9-millimeter pistol, and an extended magazine. The FBI laboratory found Trammell’s DNA on the AR-style pistol. From the apartment, agents seized approximately 41 grams of fentanyl and two firearms, one of which had been traded to Trammell in exchange for drugs.
“The significant sentence imposed by the Court is a result of the serious nature of the crimes committed by Mr. Trammell as well as his criminal past,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Individuals involved in drug dealing, illegal possession of firearms, and the assault of agents in the Western District should know they will face a lengthy term in federal prison for such conduct. I commend the work of our federal law enforcement partners, LMPD, and the prosecutors in this case.”
“Stopping violent criminals, who pedal deadly narcotics, prey upon our youth, and assault those protecting our community, is one of the most important things law enforcement does,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Cohen. “The increase in assaults on federal law enforcement officers—and law enforcement in general is disturbing. It will not be tolerated. Hopefully, Trammell’s sentence sends the message that prosecution and prison are the end result of engaging in such conduct.”
“ATF is pleased to have assisted Louisville Metro Police Department and the FBI in this investigation into a violent individual who placed our youth in danger by involving them in drug trafficking,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Maynard. “This sentence also demonstrates that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated as we continue to work together to keep our communities safe.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and LMPD, with assistance from the DEA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, HSI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Erin McKenzie represented the United States during the trial of the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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