Barren County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Barren County man considered a “career offender” has been sentenced for drug trafficking.

According to a release, 35-year-old Shane Stuary Wheat, of Barren County, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after being found guilty of trafficking over 159.08 grams of methamphetamine.

Wheat had previously been convicted of drug trafficking five times, with three offenses subjecting him to increased penalties.

Wheat is considered a “career offender” under the federal sentencing guidelines.

• On December 9, 2021, Wheat was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, second or greater offense, involving more than 2 grams of methamphetamine.
• On September 25, 2017, Wheat was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, second or greater offense, involving more than 2 grams of methamphetamine.
• On September 25, 2017, Wheat was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, second or greater offense, involving more than 2 grams of methamphetamine.

“Twenty years in prison is a significant sentence which reflects the fact that Wheat was simply determined to remain a drug dealer for his entire life. It is almost incomprehensible that Wheat had previously been convicted of drug trafficking five times yet continued to peddle drugs. His drug trafficking career is over for two decades thanks to the important work of the Barren River Drug Task Force and the FBI,” said United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner.

Wheat will not be eligible for parole in the federal system.

FBI Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Barren River Drug Task Force investigated the case.