Lexington man sentenced on drug trafficking charges

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man is facing nearly 27 years in prison for several drug trafficking and firearm charges.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, 48-year-old Kevin Sanders of Lexington was sentenced Friday to 330 months, or 27.5 years, in prison.

Officials say Sanders was convicted in May 2026 on four counts of distributing fentanyl, three counts of distributing methamphetamine, three counts of possessing with the intent to distribute 600 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams of more of methamphetamine.

Additionally, he was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to officials.

According to testimony during the trial, starting in February last year, law enforcement with the HIDTA Task Force began an investigation into alleged drug trafficking activities of Sanders.

Officials say during this time, officers purchased 49 grams of fentanyl and 83 grams of methamphetamine from Sanders.

In April 2025, officials say a search warrant was obtained for his residence, and law enforcement seized 3,705 grams of methamphetamine, 608 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of cocaine. In addition, officials say authorities seized five guns.

Sanders has a prior conviction for attempted first-degree murder from Cook County, Illinois, according to officials.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF, KSP and Richmond Police Department.