McKenzie Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Offense

Jackson, TN – John David Forrest, 36, of McKenzie, Tennessee, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for distributing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information presented in court, in the spring of 2024, Forrest sold methamphetamine to confidential informants who were working for law enforcement on multiple occasions.  During the last controlled buy, Forrest sold an informant 55 grams of methamphetamine that was later found to be 99% pure.  Officers were later able to obtain and execute a search warrant at Forrest’s home, which revealed more methamphetamine (around 112 grams that was 95% pure), six firearms, ammunition, a set of digital scales, drug packaging materials, and $657 in cash.  At the time he committed these offenses, Forrest was on parole for a felony drug conviction out of Carroll County, Tennessee.  

Following his guilty plea in federal court to distributing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Forrest to 17 years in prison and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Forrest is a recidivist drug dealer who was selling methamphetamine in dangerous purity and in possession of multiple firearms while on parole. Every minute of his 17-year sentence is well deserved and will ensure better public safety for the citizens of West Tennessee.” 

This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the 24^th Judicial District Drug Task Force in Tennessee. 

Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.