Pendleton County Couple Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

COVINGTON, Ky. –  A DeMossville, Ky., couple, Robert Gullion, 31, and Catelyn Simpson-Barnett, 33, were sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 204 months and 138 months, respectively, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Gullion was also sentenced for possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking.

According to their plea agreements, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Gullion and Simpson-Barnett, finding two bags of fentanyl, a loaded syringe on the passenger floorboard, and three bags of a crystal substance later confirmed to be 722.8 grams of methamphetamine.  Law enforcement also seized multiple safes in the vehicle, one containing a bag of 27 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun with an extended magazine, other drug paraphernalia, miscellaneous pills, and $5,509.04.

Gullion and Simpson-Barnett both admitted to their roles in conspiring to distribute the controlled substances for approximately two months.  Gullion claimed ownership of the firearm and admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Under federal law, Gullion and Simpson-Barnett must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences.  Upon their release from prison, they will both be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. 

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Covington Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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