CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kirt Ray King, 48, and John Wayne Harkless, 47, faced justice today in a federal courtroom for their involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Charleston area.
In a gritty display of law enforcement’s resolve, King was handed a six-year-and-six-month sentence followed by eight years of supervised release. The sentence stems from his conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of meth and for violating supervised release while under charge. Harkless, on the other hand, received an eight-year-and-one-month term in prison, with three years of supervised release after, for conspiring to traffic methamphetamine.
Unveiling the grim details of their operations, it was revealed that King was responsible for approximately 11 pounds of meth and supplied several individuals, including his co-defendants. Meanwhile, Harkless, with a rap sheet spanning four states, has been tied to nearly three pounds of meth he personally distributed.
King’s past also includes convictions for cocaine-related offenses, which led to his supervised release term at the time of this offense. Today, he received an additional one-year-and-six-month sentence for violating that release.
The DTO’s dismantlement was a joint effort by the FBI and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), the latter established to combat major drug trafficking organizations. This program has been instrumental in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling drug rings like the one involving King and Harkless.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston led the announcement of the sentences, commending the FBI’s investigative work. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case, ensuring that justice was served for the communities affected by the DTO’s operations.
RELATED: Charleston DTO Members Sentenced for Meth Distribution
Related Federal Cases
- Roane Man Chadrick Rogers Sentenced for Meth Distribution · West Virginia
- Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution in Huntington · Michigan
- Beckley Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution · West Virginia
- Welch Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Crack Distribution · West Virginia
- Ohio Man Sentenced for Heroin Distribution in W.Va. · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
