FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Billy J. Wilkins, 43, was convicted late Thursday, by a federal jury sitting in Frankfort, after a three-day trial, of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
According to evidence at trial, on November 4, 2021, officers with the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence occupied by Wilkins. During the search of the residence, officers located significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as two loaded firearms, one of which had an extended magazine attached.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Kevin Grime, Jessamine County Sheriff’s Department, announced the conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Wilkins is scheduled to appear for sentencing on March 6, 2024, and he faces not less than 10 years, up to life, in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
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, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.