Paola Woman Sentenced For Methamphetamine Trafficking

WICHITA, KAN. – A Paola woman was sentenced today to more than 11 years (135 months) in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

April Lunsford, 39, Paola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The case began when the Kansas Bureau of Investigation started looking into a trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kan., area. Lunsford sold methamphetamine four times to buyers working undercover for law enforcement.

During the investigation, Lunsford was arrested and charged in Miami County District Court in connection with the death of 23-year-old Heather Briggs. Lunsford pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 98 months in state prison.

McAllister commended the KBI, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.