Mercer Co. man sentenced in fentanyl trafficking case

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Mercer County man is facing 15 years in prison for possessing and intending to distribute fentanyl, officials say.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, 52-year-old Mitchell Lee Hensley of Harrodsburg was sentenced Friday for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Officials say on May 24, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hensley’s residence and found drug trafficking paraphernalia, including bags and digital scales.

In addition, officials say law enforcement located 108.742 grams of fentanyl and an additional 53.809 grams of methamphetamine.

Near the illegal drugs, officials say a loaded gun was located as well, along with four guns under a bed.

Hensley admitted to possessing the drugs that were found and that he planned to distribute them, officials say. He also admitted he possessed the guns, according to officials.

According to officials, Hensley stated he was “aware that he had been convicted of multiple felonies and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.”

The investigation remains ongoing.