Bari Myricks, Fentanyl and Gun Crimes, West Virginia 2020

A Dunbar man has been convicted of distributing deadly fentanyl, a highly potent and addictive opioid, and possessing firearms despite being a convicted felon.

Bari Myricks, 47, of Dunbar, pleaded guilty in federal court on February 20, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The charges stem from a traffic stop on May 7, 2018, when law enforcement officers stopped Myricks' vehicle due to a traffic violation. A police K-9 trained in drug detection indicated narcotics were present, leading to a search of the vehicle, where heroin was found in a plastic bag.

Further investigation by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) revealed over 100 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, more than $12,000 in cash, and two firearms at Myricks' residence on Roxalana Road.

Myricks admitted to knowing he was prohibited from possessing the firearms due to prior felony convictions.

According to United States Attorney Mike Stuart, the prosecution of fentanyl dealers and those prohibited from possessing firearms is a top priority.

Myricks faces a term of imprisonment of 5 to 40 years when he is sentenced.

Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is handling the prosecution.

The investigation was conducted by MDENT.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/dunbar-man-pleads-guilty-drug-and-gun-crimes