COLUMBUS — A Lowndes County man has been sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine, authorities announced.
Calvin Baskin, 55, of Columbus, was sentenced to 157 months in prison after previously pleading guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. The charge stems from his arrest on Aug. 8, 2024, according to court documents.
In addition to the prison term, Baskin was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration.
U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary said the case reflects ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related crime in Mississippi communities.
“Some communities here face daily violence driven by the illegal drug trade,” Leary said. “This investigation and prosecution reflect the daily vigilance exhibited by state and federal law enforcement.”
Officials said Baskin was convicted of trafficking more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw said the sentence underscores the seriousness of drug trafficking offenses.
“Methamphetamine trafficking brings nothing but misery and crime to our doorsteps,” Daniels-McCaw said. “This sentence reflects the gravity of the threat posed by illegal drugs and the power of interagency cooperation.”
Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins also praised the collaboration among agencies involved in the case.
“This sentencing sends a clear message that those who traffic illegal drugs and endanger our communities will be held accountable,” Hawkins said.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
Officials said the case is part of broader federal initiatives, including the Homeland Security Task Force and Project Safe Neighborhoods, which focus on reducing violent crime and dismantling drug trafficking organizations.
