Lee County sentences multiple defendants in methamphetamine cases
Tupelo, Miss. — Aug. 10, 2026 — Multiple defendants received prison sentences for narcotics offenses in Lee County Circuit Court last week, the First Circuit District Attorney’s Office said in a press release Monday. Circuit Judge Kelly L. Mims imposed the sentences following jury verdicts and guilty pleas.
David Lee Dunn, 44, was found guilty by a Lee County jury on Aug. 7, 2026, of the sale of methamphetamine, the release said. The State presented evidence of prior convictions for strong-arm robbery and possession of methamphetamine, and Mims sentenced Dunn as a habitual offender to the maximum sentence of eight years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Dunn will be required to serve the full eight-year sentence and will not be eligible for parole or early release, the release said.
Roy Merritt, 45, pleaded guilty on Aug. 5 to one count of sale of methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, transfer or distribute, the release said. Mims sentenced Merritt to a total of 60 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with 28 years suspended and ordered five years of post-release supervision.
Calvin Gates, 44, pleaded guilty on Aug. 3 to sale of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 20 years with 10 years suspended, followed by five years of post-release supervision, the release said. Mims ordered Gates to serve the sentence consecutively to his current term of incarceration. The North Mississippi Narcotics Unit investigated the cases, and Assistant District Attorneys Megan French and Josh Wise prosecuted them on behalf of the state, the release said. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
