A Floyd County man received a prison sentence of more than 15 years on Thursday for drug trafficking offenses, prosecutors said.
Justin Bryant, 35, of Martin, was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Prosecutors said Bryant was sentenced to 192 months in prison, the equivalent of 16 years. He must serve 85% of that term—just over 13.5 years—before becoming eligible for release. In addition, Bryant will serve three years of federal supervision following his release from prison, prosecutors said.
According to the press release, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Dec. 11, 2023, and discovered Bryant in possession of more than 20 grams of methamphetamine and over three grams of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl.
Prosecutors said Bryant also had a loaded handgun. Although Bryant stated he carried the weapon to protect himself from the dangers associated with drug dealing, prosecutors noted he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.
Bryant was initially arrested and later released, but prosecutors said he continued trafficking drugs. Authorities arrested him again more than a year later, on March 1, 2025, after finding him in possession of more than 80 grams of methamphetamine.