Two Men Sentenced for Distributing Crack in Northern Kentucky

COVINGTON—Lionel Heard, 47, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Arthur Crawford, 39, of Florence, Kentucky, were each sentenced today to nine years in prison by United States District Court Judge David L. Bunning for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

In February of 2010, Heard pleaded guilty and admitted that he conspired to distribute over 50 grams of crack. In March of 2010, Crawford pleaded guilty and admitted that he conspired to distribute more than five grams of crack. Crawford’s sentence was enhanced due to prior drug trafficking and robbery convictions.

Both men were charged in November of 2009, following an investigation into a large-scale drug organization. At this time, more than 20 individuals have been convicted of drug trafficking offenses. Members of the conspiracy operated throughout Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Under federal law, Heard and Crawford must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon release, Heard will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for eight years and Crawford for five years.

Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Elizabeth A. Fries, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Covington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Bracke.