Morgantown Mom Indicted for Heroin Ring Near School

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The gritty streets of Morgantown were hit with a federal charge storm this week as Lori Murphy, 28, was indicted on serious heroin trafficking charges by a federal grand jury. United States Attorney Bill Powell dropped the hammer.

Murphy stands accused of two counts of ‘Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of Protected Location’ and two counts of ‘Distribution of Heroin.’ The alleged activities took place near North Elementary School in Monongalia County, where the drug trade seemed to be as toxic as the substance being dealt.

According to the charges, Murphy distributed heroin at least twice on the dangerous periphery of the school, not once but in April, July, and August 2017. Her actions have placed her in a world of legal trouble with a potential sentence that reads like a horror story: up to 40 years in prison and $2 million in fines for each count involving distribution near a school. The other two distribution counts carry an equally chilling penalty of 20 years behind bars and a fine of up to $1 million.

The severity of the sentence will depend on the offenses’ seriousness and any prior criminal history the defendant may have. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is leading the charge against Murphy, representing the government with a fierce determination to bring justice to the community.

Investigating this case were no less than the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative known for its relentless pursuit of criminal activity. As with any indictment, it’s vital to remember that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt.

The grim reality of drug trafficking in Morgantown has once again been laid bare, and the justice system is poised to mete out a stiff punishment to this alleged dealer of death. Stay tuned as this case unfolds.