Mercer County man sentenced for armed fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon (DOJ)

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Harrodsburg, Ky., man, Mitchell Lee Hensley, 52, was sentenced on Friday to 15 years by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On May 24, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Hensley's residence and located various drug trafficking paraphernalia, including bags and digital scales in Hensley's bedroom. In a space between the mattress and headboard, law enforcement located a pouch containing 108.742 grams of fentanyl and an additional 53.809 grams of methamphetamine. Near the drugs, law enforcement also found a loaded revolver. During a subsequent search of the premises, law enforcement located and seized an additional four firearms stored under Hensley's bed.

Hensley admitted to possessing the fentanyl and methamphetamine that was seized and that he planned to distribute them to others. He further admitted that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Hensley also admitted he was aware that he had been convicted of multiple felonies and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Scott Elder, Harrodsburg Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Harrodsburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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