US courts impose lengthy sentences on meth traffickers in Missouri and Virginia

In Springfield, Missouri, Keith Lamar Rayford, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 30 years in federal prison for a conspiracy that distributed over 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine along with large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and ecstasy. Prosecutors highlighted the equivalent of five million meth doses and traced Rayford’s criminal history back to an armed robbery at age 17, noting the severe impact on the community.

In the Eastern District of Virginia, Darrell L. Carter, 35, of Philadelphia, received an 11‑year prison term after a joint DEA, Arlington County Police, George Mason University Police and Loudoun County Sheriff investigation uncovered more than 2.7 kg of methamphetamine, hundreds of meth pills, a handgun, cash and a ledger linking him to the purchase of up to 20 pounds of meth per month for resale. He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.