A Cincinnati man, Gene Primus, 32, received a sentence of 400 months for drug trafficking offenses. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves in Lexington, Kentucky. Primus was charged with possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.
The case involved law enforcement using a cooperating source to facilitate a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Fred Hardin, Primus's co-defendant. Surveillance operations at a Lexington residence led officers to observe Primus transporting items from the property to a vehicle. A subsequent traffic stop revealed 2,987 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Further searches uncovered additional drugs and paraphernalia including digital scales and a loaded handgun.
Fred Hardin had previously been sentenced to 312 months in December 2024 for his involvement in the same case.
Both defendants are required under federal law to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences before being eligible for release. Following their prison terms, they will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division, announced the sentencing outcome together.
The investigation was carried out by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman.