Tupelo Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

Tupelo, Miss. — August 14, 2025 — A Lee County man will spend the next 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking fentanyl.

Justin Norwood entered guilty pleas in two separate cases during a hearing Thursday in Lee County Circuit Court. Circuit Judge Kelly Mims sentenced him to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, suspending 28 years. The remaining 12 years will be served concurrently, with no eligibility for parole or early release due to the nature of the offenses.

The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics led the investigation, which resulted in Norwood’s arrest. “We greatly appreciate MBN’s dedication in investigating and apprehending individuals responsible for the trafficking of fentanyl in our district,” District Attorney Jason D. Herring said in a statement.

Assistant District Attorney Brian Neely prosecuted the case on behalf of the state.