A West Sacramento man has admitted to his role in a large-scale drug distribution operation, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. James L. Kenney, 45, entered a guilty plea on charges related to the trafficking of multiple drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Kenney conspired with at least one other individual to sell the narcotics over a span of a few months in 2025.
During an operation using a West Sacramento motel as a base of operations, the drug trafficking ring, including Kevin Leacy, managed to carry out their illicit business. In a span between May and August of the same year, Kenney and his associates facilitated the sale of substantial amounts of deadly substances. Kenney and Leacy were observed completing three controlled purchases, where officers managed to buy "100 grams of fentanyl and 540 grams of pure methamphetamine," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
A coordinated raid of the motel in August by law enforcement led to the seizure of a significant stash of drugs. Found in rooms linked to the conspiracy were about "3.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of cocaine, as well as methamphetamine and heroin located in rooms used by members of the conspiracy, including Kenney," all associated with Kenney's operation, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The crackdown was a combined effort, inclusive of the FBI, the local police department, and the county sheriff’s office.
While Kenney is scheduled for sentencing in March 2026, his partner in crime, Leacy, is still awaiting trial. Although the accusations paint a clear picture of his involvement, they are to be taken as mere allegations, reminding the public that Leacy remains "presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." Kenney, on the other hand, faces a harsh path ahead, with potential penalties ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to a life sentence and a fine up to $10 million, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The logistics of Kenney’s punishment will be influenced by several factors, including statutory considerations and federal Sentencing Guidelines. The verdict will ultimately fall to the discretion of Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. This case presents a stark example of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the legal system's attempt to mitigate it, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
