Winona man sentenced to prison for distributing drugs

A Winona man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for distribution of a controlled substance.

According to court documents, William Earl Murray, aka “Big Earl,” 48, previously pled guilty to one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Murray was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown to 120 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. Murray was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals following the sentencing hearing.

“We will continue to use all available resources to pursue those who spread the scourge of illegal drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Today’s sentencing will hopefully deter other methamphetamine traffickers who contribute to our nation’s drug crisis and destroy lives and I commend the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Winona Police Department for bringing this defendant to justice.”

“I am proud of the work done by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Northern District of Mississippi – U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Winona Police Department on this case,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “When we work together to combat crime, we not only strengthen our law enforcement partnerships but also create a safer environment for our communities.”

The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Winona Police Department investigated the case. AUSA Robert Mims prosecuted the case.