KC Reporter

A Texas County man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and illegal firearm possession. Richard D. Sims, 63, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool and was ordered to forfeit $480,000 to the government as proceeds from drug trafficking.

Sims pleaded guilty on October 31, 2023, to charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting its distribution, and being a felon in possession of firearms. He admitted participating in the methamphetamine distribution conspiracy between March 9 and July 11, 2022. Sims also acknowledged assisting his wife, Billie J. Sims, in distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine on three occasions.

Federal agents executed a search warrant at the Sims' residence on July 8, 2022. They discovered a bag containing 95.9 grams of methamphetamine in the bathtub and several firearms inside a safe: a Canik 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Colt .38-caliber revolver, and an Armscor of the Philippines .38-caliber revolver found in the garage.

Billie Sims informed investigators that Richard Sims had distributed approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine over five months. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition; Richard Sims has prior felony convictions for burglary, theft, unlawful firearm possession, controlled substance possession, and operating a vehicle without a license.

Richard Sims is the first defendant sentenced in this case. Billie Sims is among four co-defendants who have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon and Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration; Texas County Sheriff's Department; South Central Drug Task Force; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Licking Police Department; Dent County Sheriff's Department; and Salem Police Department.