Lee County narcotics sentences include mandatory terms for methamphetamine offenses

LEE COUNTY, Miss. — Multiple defendants received prison sentences last week in Lee County Circuit Court for drug offenses, according to court records. All sentences were imposed by Circuit Judge Kelly L. Mims.

David Lee Dunn, 44, was found guilty by a jury on August 7 of the sale of methamphetamine. The state presented evidence that Dunn had prior convictions for strong-arm robbery and possession of methamphetamine. As a habitual offender, Judge Mims sentenced Dunn to the maximum of eight years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Dunn will serve the full term without parole or early release.

Roy Merritt, 45, pleaded guilty August 5 to one count of sale of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to sell, transfer, or distribute. Mims sentenced Merritt to 60 years in custody, with 28 years suspended. Merritt was also ordered to complete five years of post-release supervision.

Calvin Gates, 44, pleaded guilty August 3 to sale of methamphetamine. Mims sentenced Gates to 20 years, with 10 years suspended, followed by five years of post-release supervision. The sentence is to run consecutively to his current incarceration.

All cases were investigated by the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit. The District Attorney’s Office credited NMNU for its efforts to combat drug trafficking in Lee County. Assistant District Attorneys Megan French and Josh Wise prosecuted the cases.

Jason D. Herring, District Attorney for the First Circuit Court District, announced the sentences.

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