LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) – A Lexington man has been sentenced to nearly 30 years on drug trafficking charges.

James Charles, 52, was sentenced to 380 months in federal prison on various drug trafficking charges, including distribution of 500 grams or more of meth, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth and 100 grams of heroin, and possession of a gun to further trafficking.

According to a statement from the Department of Justice, from January 2021 to June 2021, Charles was distributing meth and giving others meth to distribute.

Charles was convicted in January and under federal law, he must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

The statement said on June 8, 2021, authorities arranged to purchase three pounds of methamphetamine. After preparing a search warrant, officers found an additional five pounds of methamphetamine and distribution quantities of multiple controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.  

Another Lexington man, 59-year-old Antonio Cloyd, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of meth and distribution of 50 grams or more of meth.

Under federal law, Charles must serve 85% of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.