A Nash County man is set to spend 20 years behind bars after a federal judge sentenced him for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine. Kenneth Orlin Simmons, Jr., who pleaded guilty to the charges on February 14, 2024, was convicted for selling more than 50 grams of the drug. "This sentence sends a clear message: if you poison our communities and endanger the lives of our children and families, you will sit in a federal prison for a long time," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle in a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The investigation that brought Simmons to justice began in July 2022 when he sold over a kilogram of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Authorities, upon searching Simmons' residence, were thoroughly to find and seize 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly a kilo of marijuana, firearms including a stolen handgun, and high-capacity magazines. Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone emphasized the importance of the interagency operation, saying, "Drugs destroy lives and tears apart communities, and when traffickers arm themselves, the danger only grows," as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Simmons' criminal history includes previous felony convictions, notably two counts of felony abduction of children and two counts of sexual battery. The recent felony adds to the narrative of a man whose past actions have severely impacted the safety and well-being of his community. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aria Q. Merle lead the prosecution, working alongside the Nash County Sheriff's Office, the DEA, and the ATF, forming a concerted effort to combat serious drug trafficking and related crimes in the area.
The collaborative nature of the investigation played a key role in dismantling Simmons' operations. "I’m proud of the work our team put into holding this individual accountable and ensuring he can no longer victimize our citizens," said Sheriff Stone, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
