Paxton Smith Sentenced to 20 Years at Department of Correction

Methamphetamine Dealing and Firearm Offenses

Paxton Smith, 26, of Madison, Indiana, was sentenced on May 22, 2026, in Jefferson Circuit Court by Judge DJ Mote to a total of 20 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections. Smith was convicted of the lead charges of Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level Two (2) Felony and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a Level Four (4) Felony.

Smith had been on probation for prior criminal cases stemming from offenses committed in 2019. As part of those 2019 cases, Smith was convicted of several offenses, including Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level Five (5) Felony, and Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level Three (3) Felony. He served prison time for those cases and was released from the Department of Correction on February 17, 2025, to community supervision. Smith was serving the suspended portion of his prior sentences, when he was subsequently arrested in January of 2026 on new charges.

“Smith had been given opportunities through community supervision following his 2019 convictions. Despite having suspended time that could be revoked, he continued to engage in serious criminal activity.” said Prosecutor David Sutter.

During Smith’s arrest, law enforcement recovered a Glock 9mm pistol from his possession. Due to Smith’s prior convictions for Burglary and Dealing in Methamphetamine, he was prohibited from possessing firearms under Indiana law.

Investigators also intercepted several jail communications in which Smith admitted to possessing multiple firearms inside the residence, including an AR-style rifle and a Glock pistol. During one of those calls, Smith stated he intended to engage in a shootout if law enforcement came to the residence.

“We are incredibly grateful this situation ended safely, and that no officers or civilians were injured given that Smith was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest and later learning of his intent of engaging in violence toward law enforcement.” Said Prosecutor Sutter.

On April 29, 2026, Smith was convicted of the lead charges of Count I, Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony, and Count II, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a Level 4 Felony. Smith also admitted to violating his probation.

Under Indiana law, the level of a dealing offense is determined in part by the quantity of narcotics involved, with higher weights carrying substantially more serious felony levels and sentencing ranges. In this case, law enforcement recovered more than 60 grams of methamphetamine packaged in separate baggies consistent with dealing activity. A Level 2 Felony is among the most serious felony classifications under Indiana law and carries a significant sentencing range, due to severity of the offense and risk to the community.

Judge Mote sentenced Smith to 11 years at the Indiana Department of Correction for Count I and 2 years for Count II, to be served concurrently. Additionally, 9 years of Smith’s previously suspended sentence were revoked as a result of the probation violation, bringing Smith’s total sentence to 20 years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction.

“We are thankful that a significant quantity of methamphetamine intended to be trafficked through our community is off the streets and that the illegal firearms are out of the hands of a serious violent felon”, said Prosecutor Sutter.

The Prosecutor’s Office extends its appreciation to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Indiana State Police Laboratory, Deputy Prosecutor Michaelia Gilbert, Detectives Yancy Denning and Josh Taylor, and Deputies Wes McDonald, Shawn Garner, and Sgt. Devlin McMindes for their dedication and professionalism throughout the investigation.