*CORRECTED* Former Economy Inn Managers Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances

Gulfport, MS – Two former managers for the Economy Inn in Bay St. Louis were sentenced on February 14, 2024, for their involvement in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. 

Pernell Robert Galloway, 54, was sentenced to 131 months in prison and Cassie Louise McKenzie, 42, was sentenced to 115 months in prison.

According to court documents, in 2023, agents began investigating drug activity at the Economy Inn located on US Hwy 90 in Bay St. Louis.  Agents received information that Pernell Robert Galloway and Cassie Louise McKenzie were managers at the hotel but also selling drugs from the hotel. Law enforcement began doing controlled purchases of methamphetamine from the duo. On or about June 8, 2023, a search warrant was executed at the Economy Inn where Galloway and McKenzie were located. During the search, agents located an additional 14 grams of what field tested positive for methamphetamine in two separate bags. Agents also located a firearm, digital scales, and additional unused distribution baggies.

Galloway and McKenzie were indicted by a federal grand jury and they subsequently pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Arnett of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose prosecuted the case.

*An earlier press release dated February 14, 2024, mistakenly stated the substance at issue was a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The press release should have only referenced methamphetamine.