ASHLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Johnson County man is facing federal drug and firearms charges that could send him to prison for life if convicted.
Brian “Butterbean” Charles, 43, of Thelma, was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in London on charges of possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
The charges stem from a July 7 search of Charles' Johnson County home. During that investigation, Kentucky State Police reported seizing about three pounds of methamphetamine, 28 grams of fentanyl and nine firearms.
According to the indictment, the firearms allegedly possessed by Charles included eight handguns and a shotgun. Federal prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of the firearms, ammunition and accessories, along with approximately $23,713 in cash seized during the investigation.
If convicted, Charles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life on the drug trafficking charge. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years to life that must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, while the felon-in-possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
Charles remains lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Ashland on Aug. 21.
