CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

LONDON — Michael Nolan Slone, 37, of Knott County, received a 150-month federal prison sentence Friday on multiple drug-related and firearm charges. U.S. District Judge Robert Wier handed down the sentence.

Slone chose to represent himself during the two-day trial in March. The jury convicted him on several charges. Those include possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The case began when a Kentucky State Police trooper discovered Slone passed out in the driver’s seat of his vehicle at a gas station in Hindman. Law enforcement discovered over 100 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms in Slone’s possession. One firearm was on Slone’s person and the other, an AR-style rifle, was directly over the methamphetamine. The rifle’s magazines were “jungle-stacked” together, a method used for quicker reloading capability.

Slone’s prior felony convictions for first-degree burglary and attempted murder, stemming from an incident in August 2010 where he shot two individuals, had already prohibited him from firearm possession.

Under federal law, Slone must serve at least 85% of his prison sentence. Upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; R. Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. jointly announced the sentence.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Kentucky State Police conducted the investigation.