Austin Curtis Harman, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, West Virginia 2022

Petersburg Man Admits to Drug Charge

A 23-year-old Petersburg man has pleaded guilty to a serious drug charge in a West Virginia federal court, according to United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld.

Austin Curtis Harman, of Petersburg, West Virginia, admitted to one count of 'Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.' The charge dates back to January 2022, when Harman possessed Methamphetamine in Grant County.

Harman faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force investigated the case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Aloi presided over the proceedings.

A 20-year sentence would be one of the harshest penalties for a non-violent crime, with an estimated $1,000,000 fine being a substantial burden on Harman's family.

The outcome of the case is still to be determined and will be decided by the court. Harman's sentencing date has not been announced.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/grant-county-man-admits-drug-charge-6