Paducah man arrested after firearms intercepted in package mailed to California
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – A Paducah man faces multiple firearm charges after investigators intercepted a package containing two guns that was being shipped to California.
According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, 45-year-old James Climpson was arrested following an investigation involving suspected drug trafficking and illegal firearm shipments between Kentucky and California.
Detectives began investigating suspected methamphetamine trafficking into the Paducah area and firearm shipments out of the area in July 2026.
Authorities said the investigation involved multiple individuals and has already resulted in several arrests and criminal charges.
On Nov. 10, detectives working with a U.S. postal inspector intercepted a package mailed from Paducah to California.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the package and discovered two firearms inside.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives determined that Climpson had possessed and illegally shipped the firearms.
Authorities said Climpson is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Federal law also restricts firearm shipments by individuals who are not federally licensed or otherwise legally authorized.
Detectives later located Climpson during a traffic stop in Paducah and took him into custody.
Climpson was charged with two counts of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
He was taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to identify and disrupt suspected illegal drug and firearm trafficking operations.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service assisted in the investigation.
