Lexington Man Pleads Guilty in Major Drug and Firearms Case

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington man with a history of drug trafficking and a past manslaughter conviction has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving large-scale narcotics distribution and firearms possession, according to court documents unsealed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Keenan J. McLaughlin, also known as “Chief,” entered a guilty plea to two felony counts in a superseding indictment: possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The plea was accepted under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(c), which allows for sentencing concessions in exchange for a guilty plea.

McLaughlin, 34, admitted to distributing substantial quantities of methamphetamine, fluorofentanyl, and fentanyl—three potent and often deadly narcotics. He also acknowledged keeping an arsenal of firearms at his Fayette County residence to protect his drug operation.

According to prosecutors, the Lexington Police Department began investigating McLaughlin in mid-2024. On Oct. 24, 2024, officers executed a search warrant at his home while simultaneously stopping him during a suspected drug transaction in the parking lot of a local Dollar General.

Inside McLaughlin’s vehicle, police discovered approximately 60 grams of fentanyl and more than $8,000 in cash. A search of his residence uncovered an alarming cache: over 10 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 400 grams of fentanyl analogues, paraphernalia associated with drug distribution, and ten firearms—four of which had been reported stolen.

Firearms were found strategically placed around McLaughlin’s bedroom, including a loaded AR-style rifle, several handguns, and a 12-gauge shotgun. Authorities also seized more than $44,000 in cash from the home.

“The proximity of loaded firearms to bulk narcotics highlights the dangerous nexus between drug trafficking and gun violence,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in court filings.

In total, the controlled substances seized during the investigation included:

• Approximately 4.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, including nearly 3 kilograms of pure meth
• 195 grams of fluorofentanyl
• 156 grams of fentanyl

McLaughlin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years—10 years for the drug trafficking offense and 5 consecutive years for the firearms charge. The combined maximum sentence could be life in prison, along with fines exceeding $10 million.

The plea agreement also includes forfeiture of the seized weapons and cash. McLaughlin waived his right to appeal the conviction and sentence and agreed not to contest the forfeiture.

McLaughlin is no stranger to the criminal justice system. In 2015, he was sentenced to 17 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter in connection with a 2014 fatal crash on Georgetown Road that killed two people. He also faced drug trafficking charges in that case.

Court records show McLaughlin has remained in custody since his December 2024 arrest. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ron Walker Jr. and James T. Chapman. McLaughlin is represented by court-appointed counsel Lisa E. von Wiegen.

The investigation was led by the Lexington Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).