Albert Bowman, Jr., Heroin Distribution, West Virginia 2017

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man has been brought to justice for his role in the city’s heroin epidemic. Albert Bowman, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.

Bowman admitted that on July 5, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The controlled purchase took place inside Bowman’s residence on Russell Street in Charleston. Officers also executed a search warrant at the residence and located cash, additional drugs, and firearms.

Bowman additionally admitted that he had distributed over 130 grams of heroin in the months leading up to the search warrant. This staggering amount of heroin has had a devastating impact on our community, and we’re glad to see Bowman held accountable for his actions.

Bowman faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 14, 2017. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing effort to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin in our region.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over the case.

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 prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for perpetuating the opioid epidemic to justice. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help.

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