A federal jury in Lexington has convicted Keith Lamont Stallworth, 41, of multiple firearms offenses following a three-day trial. The verdict was reached after 40 minutes of deliberation on August 27.
Stallworth was found guilty of carrying and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing a machine gun, and failing to register the machine gun.
Testimony presented at trial indicated that in August 2023, Stallworth was arrested while in possession of a .57 caliber Palmetto Arms pistol loaded with high velocity rifle rounds and an extended magazine. A search of his downtown Lexington apartment led to the discovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a 9mm handgun, and an illegally modified .40 caliber pistol. The modification included a device known as a “switch” or “Glock switch,” which converted the weapon into a fully automatic firearm classified under federal law as a machinegun.
Stallworth had previously pleaded guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as using his residence for manufacturing and distributing controlled substances.
The conviction was announced by Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Louisville Field Division; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge for ATF Louisville Field; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; Chief Lawrence Weathers from the Lexington Police Department; Chief Michael Fleming from Nicholasville Police Department; and Sheriff Kevin Grimes from Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office.
“The investigation was conducted by DEA, ATF, KSP, Lexington Police Department, Nicholasville Police Department, and Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.”
Stallworth is set for sentencing on December 1. He faces up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years. Sentencing will be determined according to federal guidelines and statutes.
