Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division

09/22/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Bowling Green Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

Bowling Green, KY - A Bowling Green man was sentenced on September 14, 2021, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Greg Stivers, to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a 5 year period of supervised release for trafficking in methamphetamine and the illegal possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, Charleslenzo Sanchez Williams, 38 years of age, was found on January 13, 2020, in the possession of, with the intent to distribute, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, in possession of a firearm having been previously convicted of a felony offense, and in possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On September 9, 2020, Mr. Williams was indicted on three counts arising from his drug trafficking activities. On June 8, 2021, Mr. Williams entered a plea of guilty to all counts of the Indictment.

"The work of the Warren County Drug Task Force and the ATF in this case demonstrates the nature of state and federal law enforcement cooperation in our district," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. "Our citizens are safer as a result of the combined efforts of our state and federal partners who work tirelessly every day fighting violent crime."

"Drug dealers with guns are criminals who pose an increased threat to the safety of our communities," said ATF Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Field Division. "Today's sentencing is the result of an ongoing commitment by ATF to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer for everyone."

"This case is another example of Federal, State and Local law enforcement working together to unburden the community of armed career criminal drug traffickers." Stated Warren County Drug Task Force Director Tommy M. Loving. "More and more we see drug traffickers armed and increased violence connected to drug trafficking activities. We appreciate the great partnership with the United States Attorney's Office in Bowling Green."

The Bowling Green ATF and the Warren County Drug Task Force investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon prosecuted the case.

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This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.