An Owensboro, Kentucky man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for methamphetamine distribution and firearms offenses. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Sheila G. Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division.
Montae Goodnight, aged 37, received his sentence along with five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine, possessing it with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, on November 29, 2022, Goodnight distributed over 50 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. On January 20, 2023, he was found with methamphetamine intended for distribution and in possession of a Taurus model 740 Slim .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.
Goodnight's previous felony convictions include robbery in the second degree in Daviess Circuit Court on August 22, 2006; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine in United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on April 7, 2008; trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree on October 2, 2013; and possession of controlled substances on June 29, 2018.
The case was investigated by the DEA Evansville Resident Office with assistance from the Owensboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.