Special to the Daily News

LONDON — An eastern Kentucky couple, who a federal judge said played

significant roles in getting several others hooked on methamphetamine, received lengthy

sentences for a drug conspiracy.

On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove sentenced

44-year-old Roscoe Dean Smith of London and his wife Darlene Smith, 44, of Corbin to

222 and 188 months respectively for conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of a

methamphetamine mixture. Under federal law, this offense carries a mandatory minimum

sentence of 10 years.

The couple was also sentenced for possessing equipment used to manufacture

methamphetamine. Judge Van Tatenhove enhanced each defendant’s sentences because

authorities found a loaded shotgun in the room that was used to make the meth.

From 2008 through 2011, Roscoe Smith manufactured methamphetamine in Knox

and Laurel Counties. He exchanged it with other individuals who provided him

pseudoephedrine he used to cook the meth. Darlene Smith coordinated and assisted others

in obtaining pseudoephedrine.

Also, according to testimony at trial, Roscoe Smith traded meth for sex with a

female.

The couple was convicted by a jury of the offenses in March of this year following a

three-day trial.

Under federal law, the Smiths must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences, and,

upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for at least

five years.

Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky,

Wendy Haney, Special Agent in Charge, United States Forest Service, and Rodney

Brewer, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by United States Forest

Service and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented in the case by

Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Pratt and Assistant United States

Attorney Lee Gentry.