State Senator’s son sentenced for mailing box full marijuana

A Louisville man, the son of a current Kentucky State Senator, was sentenced to 10 months in jail Tuesday after admitting he tried to mail over four lbs. of marijuana to an address in Corbin in early 2007.
Kenneth Aaron Wilkins, 36, told U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves he was ashamed of his crime Tuesday during a sentencing hearing in London. With friends and family members in attendance, he said he had let his relatives down and wanted to make amends.
“At this time, I just wish to pay what I owe and get back to my life,” Wilkins said.
In custody since his arrest nine months ago, Wilkins will only serve another 30 days before he is technically released. He may be forced to remain in jail, though, pending the outcome of a firearms charge transferred to Kentucky from a federal court in California earlier this year.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dotson asked that Wilkins receive the maximum sentence within federal guidelines noting the defendant owed over $5,000 in back child support on his two children, was a heavy marijuana user prior to his arrest and has consumed alcohol daily since age 18.
Reeves mentioned that Wilkins had a prior robbery conviction in California at age 20, but said his strong family ties and potential to “turn his life around” and get gainful employment was promising.
“It doesn’t have to be an anchor around his neck that weighs him down forever,” Reeves said. “He is still a young man … he can remove himself from these acts. He has family support.”
Reeves decided not to levy a fine against Wilkins for fear it would be a burden standing in the way of him catching up on child support. He could have been fined up to $250,000.
Besides the 10-month prison sentence, Wilkins was ordered to undergo aggressive drug treatment and must submit to frequent testing for drugs or alcohol. He was forbidden from consuming alcohol and is to “refrain from obstructing substance testing” results. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. He is also to refrain from committing any further federal, state or local crimes pursuant to the plea agreement.
According to court records, Wilkins attempted to mail just over four lbs. (1,832.8 grams) to from Los Angeles, Calif. To Corbin on Feb. 22, 2007. Once the package arrived in Corbin, federal authorities seized it pursuant to a search warrant that was obtained. The package was addressed to: B.P., Attn: Steve Jaecks, 354 W. Cumberland Gap Pkwy., Corbin, 40701 with the return address of Sons Auto, 2614 S. Catalina, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
Wilkins’ family said they agreed with the sentence. His court-appointed defense attorney, Brandon Storm, said Reeves’ judgment was fair.
“My client made a stupid decision and I think he knows that,” Storm said. “The judge was more than fair and I think he encouraged my client to go forward and turn his life around.”
Storm said Wilkins’ robbery charge in California stemmed from an altercation at a store, and wouldn’t be considered a traditional robbery in most states. He called the conviction a technicality and said Wilkins received a very lenient sentence stemming from the charge.
Wilkins is the son of Kentucky State Senator Gerald Neal of Louisville. Neal, an attorney, represents Senate District 33, which includes part of Jefferson County.