“Big Mike” Hill Gets 57 Months for Meth Pipeline

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Hill, Jr., a 25-year-old Columbus, Ohio resident known on the streets as “Big Mike,” is headed to federal prison after receiving a 57-month sentence for running a methamphetamine distribution network across West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced the sentencing today, marking another blow to the relentless flow of narcotics poisoning communities in the Mountain State.

Hill pled guilty in November 2019 to one count of “Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” admitting to pushing over 50 grams of the highly addictive drug – commonly called “crystal” or “ice” – in Gilmer County back in November 2018. The investigation revealed a substantial operation, indicating Hill wasn’t just a street-level dealer, but a link in a larger supply chain.

But the Gilmer County bust wasn’t Hill’s only trouble. He also entered a guilty plea in January 2020 to an identical charge – “Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” – stemming from criminal activity within the Southern District of West Virginia. Today’s 57-month sentence is set to run concurrently with the Northern District of West Virginia case, meaning Hill will serve the time for both offenses simultaneously. This doesn’t lessen the impact, however; it’s a lengthy stretch for a young man whose choices have brought devastation to others.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower relentlessly pursued the case on behalf of the government, building a solid case against Hill and ensuring accountability for his actions. The investigation was spearheaded by the dedicated members of the Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, who have been working tirelessly to dismantle drug operations throughout the region. Their efforts are crucial in stemming the tide of addiction and violence that often accompanies it.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided over the case, delivering the sentence and sending a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in West Virginia. While 57 months is a significant penalty, it remains to be seen if it will be enough to deter others from following in Hill’s footsteps. The grim reality is that for every dealer taken off the streets, another seems to emerge, fueling the demand and perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in West Virginia and beyond. This sentencing, while a victory for law enforcement, serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive drug problem plaguing the nation and the devastating consequences it has on individuals, families, and communities. The fight is far from over.