Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses (DOJ)

Louisville, KY - A Jefferson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 15 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple drug and firearm offenses.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

On January 21, 2026, Priestlen Mitchell, 33, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of distribution of controlled substances, one count of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of commission of an offense while out on pretrial release in United States District Court.

Between May 7, 2021, and May 8, 2021, Mitchell, a convicted felon, possessed a Century Arms Inc., model Micro Draco, 7.62x39 caliber semiautomatic pistol, an Armalite, model M15A2, 5.56 caliber rifle, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and oxycodone.

On January 26, 2023, Mitchell possessed a Mossberg, O.F. & Sons, Incorporated, model 500, 12-guage shotgun and ammunition. He also possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana.

On February 2, 2024, Mitchell Glock, model 19x, 9-millimeter pistol, an AR style short-barreled rifle, a Ruger, model Five Seven, 5.7x28 caliber pistol, a Girsan, model Regard MC, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute heroin, MDMA, psilocybin (mushrooms), hydrocodone, oxycodone, alprazolam, and marijuana. Mitchell also distributed fentanyl on that same day. At the time Mitchell committed these offenses he was on pretrial release in federal court for the previous offenses.

At the time Mitchell possessed the firearms, he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On July 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree.

On August 16, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On February 23, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree.

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, "Mitchell is a dangerous person, plain and simple. He received a substantial sentence because he continually demonstrated by his conduct that he has no respect for the judicial system or our citizens. The Western District of Kentucky is better because Mitchell will not see the light of day for 15 years."

There is no parole in the federal system.

The ATF and KSP investigated the case with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Emily Lantz are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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