Owensboro Men Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution

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Owensboro, KY – Two local men have been sentenced to decades in federal prison after being convicted last year of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Sheila G. Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division, and Chief Art Ealum of the Owensboro Police Department made the announcement.

“I commend the outstanding work of the trial team, the DEA, and the Owensboro Police Department for their untiring work and dedication during the investigation and prosecution of this case,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “In addition, the assistance provided by our federal, state, and local partners from across the area was crucial to ensuring a successful prosecution of the defendants. The lengthy prison sentences handed down by the Court will make the Western District safer for all who live, work, and visit here.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cedric Swanagan, 37, and Courtland Reed, 32, were convicted of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine between September 2021 and April 4, 2022, in Daviess County, Kentucky and elsewhere. The jury also convicted both Swanagan and Reed of possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on February 22, 2022, in Daviess County and elsewhere. Evidence presented at trial included recorded phone calls between the defendants intercepted during a federal wiretap investigation and approximately 876 grams of pure methamphetamine associated with the defendants.

The jury further found that Swanagan had committed one serious drug felony and that Reed had committed one serious drug felony and one violent felony prior to committing the offenses in this case. These findings increased the mandatory minimum sentences for both defendants.

On May 23, 2024, Swanagan was sentenced by a United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Kentucky to 30 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Reed was sentenced on February 6, 2024, to 25 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

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