Lee County narcotics sentences include 8-year habitual offender and 60-year term

Multiple narcotics-related sentences were handed down in Lee County Circuit Court last week, according to court records. All sentences were imposed by Circuit Judge Kelly L. Mims.

David Lee Dunn, 44, was convicted by a Lee County jury August 7, 2026, of selling methamphetamine. The state presented evidence that Dunn had prior convictions for strong-arm robbery and methamphetamine possession. As a habitual offender, Dunn was sentenced to the maximum of eight years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. He will serve the full sentence without eligibility for parole or early release.

Roy Merritt, 45, pleaded guilty August 5, 2026, to one count each of sale of methamphetamine and possession with intent to sell. Judge Mims sentenced Merritt to 60 years in prison, with 28 years suspended. Merritt was also ordered to complete five years of post-release supervision after his release.

Calvin Gates, 44, pleaded guilty August 3, 2026, to sale of methamphetamine. Judge Mims sentenced Gates to 20 years in prison, with 10 years suspended, followed by five years of post-release supervision. The sentence is to run consecutively to his current incarceration.

The North Mississippi Narcotics Unit investigated each case. The District Attorney’s Office commended the unit’s efforts to combat drug trafficking in Lee County. Assistant District Attorneys Megan French and Josh Wise prosecuted the cases on behalf of the state.

Jason D. Herring is the district attorney for the First Circuit Court District.

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