Two Paducah men sentenced to combined 50 years on drug trafficking charges

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — Two Paducah men have been sentenced to a combined 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges, according to local officials.

Ronnie T. Copeland pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (fentanyl), second or greater offense, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Calvin Bingham pleaded guilty to first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), second or greater offense, and was sentenced to 20 years.

Authorities said both men have multiple prior convictions for drug trafficking.

Paducah Police Chief Brian Laird said the cases highlight cooperation between the Paducah Police Department and the McCracken County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Donna Dixon said the convictions remove individuals responsible for distributing large quantities of illegal drugs from the community.

Officials said anyone with information about illegal activity is encouraged to contact West Kentucky Crime Stoppers.