LEXINGTON, KY (May 10, 2022) — The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Kentucky reported on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 that two men, James Garfield Charles, 52, of Lexington, and Vincent Adams Vassor, 55, of Los Angeles, were sentenced to 380 months and 320 months in federal prison, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after being convicted of various drug trafficking charges.
Charles and Vassor were both convicted in January 2022. Charles was convicted of Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance if his drug trafficking.
Vassor was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. A third defendant, Antonio Cloyd, 59, also of Lexington, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of meth and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to evidence presented at trial, from January 2021 to June 2021, Charles distributed methamphetamine and provided others with methamphetamine for their distribution. On February 8, 2021, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Vassor, which led law enforcement to Charles, who supplied the drugs. On June 8, 2021, law enforcement arranged a controlled purchase of three pounds of methamphetamine; and then, after obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement found an additional five pounds of methamphetamine and distribution quantities of multiple controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.
Under federal law, both must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Filed Division; and Colonel Phillip Burnett, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police; jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Todd Bradbury.
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