Kansas Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine and Gun Charges

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Brandon L. Hutchinson, age 39, of Wichita, Kansas, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hutchinson to 240 months' imprisonment. Hutchinson also forfeited $ $2,033.37 seized in the investigation. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hutchinson's release he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

On July 16, 2023, law enforcement received an anonymous tip that a fugitive was staying with Hutchinson at a Columbus motel and that he was in possession of controlled substances. Columbus police officers went to the motel where they confirmed that Hutchinson was currently renting a room.

After a drug detecting canine indicated to the odor of narcotics coming from within the room rented by Hutchinson, officers knocked on the door which was opened by Hutchinson who indicated the fugitive was within. The fugitive was removed and Hutchinson was secured until a search warrant was obtained.

After a warrant was obtained, a search of the room revealed approximately 1700 grams of meth in a bag with men's clothing, approximately 200 "M 30" fentanyl pill along with suspected fentanyl powder, scales, baggies, a 9 mm Taurus handgun within arm's reach of the drugs, and approximately $2033.37 in cash, most of which was found on Hutchinson's person. Lab testing found Hutchinson's DNA on the gun.

This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department.