Bowling Green Man Sentenced to 13 1/2 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm Offenses (DOJ)

Bowling Green, KY - A Bowling Green man was sentenced on June 8, 2026, to 13 and a half years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and firearm offenses.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

Steven Wayne Dye, Jr., 38, was sentenced to 13 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute 176.5 grams of methamphetamine, possessing a handgun as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Dye was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses:

On July 24, 2023, in Simpson Circuit Court, Dye was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (two counts), firearm enhanced trafficking in marijuana, receiving stolen property, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, enhanced second degree trafficking in a controlled substance, and first-degree promoting contraband.

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, "Just three years ago, Dye was convicted of significant drug trafficking and firearm felonies in Simpson Circuit Court. His conviction and sentence didn't get his attention; he returned to Simpson County armed with a firearm and continued to push poison into the community. Now, because of extraordinary coordination between the ATF and KSP, Dye will be serving 13 1/2 years in federal prison. Let this be a lesson to others with a callous disregard for the safety of our communities: if you don't change your ways, law enforcement will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Horbert stated, "Steven Dye disregarded the law and chose to deal in dangerous weapons and narcotics. Because of those decisions, he will now serve a lengthy sentence in federal prison. ATF proudly partnered with Kentucky State Police and the United States Attorney's Office to ensure the community's safety from this offender and will continue to pursue those who blatantly violate federal firearms and narcotics laws."

Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. stated, "Strong collaborations with the U.S. Attorney's Office, the ATF and our law enforcement partners are essential to protecting Kentuckians. This defendant showed a blatant disregard for public safety, and the successful dismantling of this narcotics operation was made possible through these partnerships. I commend everyone involved for their tireless efforts to hold criminals accountable and keep our communities safe."

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Kentucky State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the Bowling Green office, prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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