Former Big Sandy Prison Employee and Inmate Indicted for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Other Charges

 LEXINGTON, Ky.- A former Cook Supervisor at United States Penitentiary Big Sandy, Hank Williams, 56, of Weeksbury, Kentucky, was indicted on Thursday in federal court for one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of money laundering, two counts of attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of accepting a bribe by a public official, one count each of attempting to provide and providing contraband, and three counts of using a communication device to facilitate a felony offense.

A former Big Sandy inmate, Librado Navarette, 34, was also charged with one count of bribery of a public official and one count of possession of contraband.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in March 2016 and continuing through September 27, 2019, Williams conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspired with others to money launder. The indictment further alleges that Williams, a public official, accepted a bribe from Navarette. Williams was also indicted for aiding and abetting the use of the U.S. mail to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.           

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted jointly by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General, FBI, the United States Postal Service, and the Georgetown Police Department.

William’s appearance before the United States District Court has not been scheduled.  If convicted, Williams faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes governing the imposition of sentences.

Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.