A Nicholasville man, Jacob Clem, 37, has been sentenced to 228 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove.
According to court documents, law enforcement stopped Clem on September 11, 2024, after observing his vehicle with expired registration tags. Clem was arrested due to an active warrant. He admitted to carrying a firearm holster and knives. Officers found a loaded magazine and two fentanyl pills on him during the arrest. A search of his vehicle uncovered another loaded magazine and a pistol. Investigators also found a backpack containing two grocery bags with 953 grams of methamphetamine and two digital scales. Clem admitted he possessed the drugs and knowingly had the firearm as part of his drug trafficking activities.
Federal sentencing rules require Clem to serve at least 85 percent of his prison term before becoming eligible for release. After completing his sentence, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
The announcement came from Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge at the DEA Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Kevin Grimes from the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Kentucky State Police (KSP), and Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton prosecuted the case.
“Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Kevin Grimes, Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.”
“The investigation was conducted by the DEA, KSP, and Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.”
