Charleston Man Gets Half-Year for Kilo of Fentanyl

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jaron Andrew O’Neal, 39, of Charleston, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced today for his role in a fentanyl distribution scheme. O’Neal received six months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute the deadly opioid.

The bust originated with a suspicious package intercepted by investigators. A K9 unit alerted to the parcel, addressed to an address in Barboursville, West Virginia, prompting a search warrant. Inside, authorities discovered approximately one kilogram – over two pounds – of pure fentanyl. Rather than immediately arresting someone, investigators opted for a controlled delivery, swapping the fentanyl with a harmless substitute.

On January 24, 2023, O’Neal took the bait, retrieving the package from the Barboursville address and attempting to drive away with it. A traffic stop quickly followed, and the sham-replaced package was recovered from his vehicle. O’Neal claimed to investigators he believed the package contained controlled substances, a claim that clearly didn’t hold water with the court.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the sentence, praising the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work on the case. “The relentless flow of fentanyl into our communities is a clear and present danger,” Johnston stated. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who profit from this poison.”

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers handed down the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case, successfully arguing for a substantial penalty despite O’Neal’s attempt to downplay his involvement. The case was pursued under Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a federal initiative aimed at stemming the tide of synthetic opioids in areas hardest hit by the overdose crisis.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing fight against the fentanyl epidemic. Further details, including court documents, can be found on PACER under Case No. 3:24-cr-85, or on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. This sentence serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor roles in drug trafficking carry serious consequences.