A federal grand jury in Louisville has indicted a local man, Joseph Abbott, for illegal possession of a firearm and distribution of heroin and methamphetamine. The indictment was returned on October 16, 2024. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett, U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman, and Chief Paul Humphrey announced the charges.
Abbott, aged 39, is accused of possessing a Glock model 22 .40 caliber handgun and ammunition on September 5, 2024. His prior felony convictions prohibit him from owning firearms. His criminal history includes multiple convictions in Jefferson Circuit Court: trafficking in controlled substances such as heroin and cocaine while armed, possession of a handgun by a felon, promoting contraband, illegal possession of controlled substances, receiving stolen property, and tampering with evidence.
The defendant appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge this week in the Western District of Kentucky's court system. A detention hearing is set for March 12, 2025. If found guilty, Abbott could face up to 20 years in prison; federal sentencing guidelines will guide the final decision.
The case is under investigation by the US Marshals Service with support from the Louisville Metro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is leading the prosecution.
This legal action falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
"An indictment is merely an allegation," authorities reminded the public in their announcement. "All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
