Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

LONDON, Ky. — A Monticello, Ky., man, Chandler Burnette, 40, was sentenced today to 84 months, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearm by a convicted felon.            

According to Burnette’s plea agreement, on September 17, 2019, law enforcement officers responded to a theft report at Burnette’s residence.  There, they found him in possession of 38 grams of methamphetamine and scales.  Burnette admitted to possessing the drugs with the intent to distribute it to others.  Law enforcement also found Burnette in possession of a .22 caliber handgun.  Burnette admitted knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.                        

Burnette pleaded guilty in October 2020.

Under federal law, Burnette must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years, following his release from prison. 

Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Tim Catron, Wayne County Sheriff, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Rabold. 

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, the United States Attorney coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s targeted initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

###