Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Charleston meth dealer pleads guilty to federal drug crime
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with methamphetamine and guns in February 2017, pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Derrick Houston, 39, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigative efforts.
On February 28, 2017, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at Houston’s residence on Beech Avenue in Charleston. During the search, officers located approximately 237 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the couch. Officers also located two firearms during the search. As part of the plea agreement, Houston admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine seized by law enforcement.
Houston faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 26, 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.