Columbia man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, found with 50 pounds of meth in 2024

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man who was found with more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine at an Airbnb in 2024 was sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years in federal prison.

Ronald Dale Thornton III, 35, pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to distribute meth, according to court filings. He was sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years in prison.

Court documents in previous reporting say a search warrant was executed at an Airbnb in March 2024.

Thornton was inside the residence with 51 pounds of meth that was wrapped into 51 individual packages, as well as more than $15,000 in cash, the statement says.

The department of justice wrote in a Wednesday press release that Thornton was found with nearly $25,000.