Lexington Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, James W. Jointer, Jr., 31, was sentenced on Monday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to188 months in prison, for two counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a machinegun.

According to his plea agreement, in November 2022, agents with the ATF identified Jointer as a trafficker of firearms and narcotics. During the investigation, ATF purchased two firearms and 15.9 grams of pressed fentanyl pills. ATF also purchased a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a "Glock" switch. The purchased device was tested by agents and was confirmed to convert a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic firearm. Under federal law, such conversion devices qualify as machineguns.

Jointer knew he had a prior felony conviction for trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, in Fayette Circuit Court from 2015, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Under federal law, Jointer must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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