A Florence man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

James Allen Eapmon, 31, led a conspiracy responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 4.4 kilograms of meth between January 1 and October 4, 2016, according to a news release. He led a group that regularly distributed crystal meth.

Three others, Chance Haley, Matthew Clem, and Charles "Bub" Eapmon, have also been convicted in connection with the investigation.

Eapmon was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Covington by Judge David Bunning. He has five previous felony convictions for burglary and drug trafficking.

Under federal law, he will not be eligible for parole.

“The Defendant’s criminal conduct, both past and current, has resulted in a very significant penalty,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The Defendant’s sentence should serve as a warning to career criminals who sell drugs in our communities – your criminal actions may result in you permanently forfeiting your liberty.”

United States Attorney Duncan and Chris Evans, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, jointly announced the sentence. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tony Bracke represented the United States.

-Staff report

Image via Kenton Co. Detention Center from a 2014 arrest