Charles William Masters, 43, of Burnsville, West Virginia, is facing federal prison time after being indicted on multiple felony counts tied to a July 3, 2017, drug and firearm incident in Lewis County. A federal grand jury returned the charges yesterday, accusing Masters of illegally possessing a 9mm pistol while simultaneously holding methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The indictment, announced by United States Attorney Bill Powell, includes one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” which carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The second charge, “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” could bring up to 40 years behind bars and a $5,000,000 fine. The most severe count—”Carry a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime”—exposes Masters to life imprisonment and another $250,000 in penalties.
Authorities allege that Masters was armed and in possession of methamphetamine during a law enforcement encounter in Lewis County. The firearm, a 9mm pistol, was allegedly in his possession at the time of the drug offense, triggering the enhanced federal charge that carries the harshest potential sentence. Federal prosecutors argue that the combination of drugs and guns poses a direct threat to public safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is leading the prosecution. The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Their collaboration was backed by funding from the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF), which targets major drug operations through interagency coordination.
The OCDETF program, known for dismantling large-scale trafficking networks, provided critical resources to track and build the case against Masters. Federal officials emphasize that cases involving firearms in connection with narcotics are a top enforcement priority, particularly in rural areas of West Virginia, where the opioid and meth crisis continues to strain communities.
An indictment is not a conviction. Charles William Masters is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. His arraignment and trial dates have not yet been scheduled. Federal sentencing, if convicted, will be determined by the severity of the offenses and any prior criminal record, under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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