CHARLESTON, W.VA. – Jackie Harper, 27, of Charleston, has confessed to flooding the streets with methamphetamine and illegally carrying a firearm, according to a statement released by United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Harper pled guilty to federal charges of distributing over 170 grams of the highly addictive drug and being a felon in possession of a weapon – a dangerous combination that Stuart’s office is actively targeting.
The case, a joint effort by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), paints a clear picture of Harper’s criminal activity. Investigators revealed Harper sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on four separate occasions during August and September of 2018. The transactions, each contributing to the overall 170+ gram total, were meticulously documented.
“An all too common occurrence – a felon with a gun,” stated United States Attorney Mike Stuart, his voice dripping with frustration. “Dealing meth. And another common occurrence – we convict those drug dealing felons with guns.” The statement underscores the office’s unwavering commitment to prosecuting individuals who combine drug trafficking with firearm offenses, a pairing that frequently fuels further violence.
The net tightened on September 19, 2018, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Harper’s residence. The search yielded not only evidence confirming the drug sales but also a firearm, effectively sealing Harper’s fate. His prior conviction for malicious assault in Kanawha County Circuit Court legally barred him from owning or possessing any firearms.
Harper now faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison when he appears before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin on August 21, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur is leading the prosecution, determined to ensure Harper is held accountable for his actions and removed from the streets.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and gun violence in West Virginia. While the MDENT, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF continue to dismantle these criminal networks, the flow of drugs and illegal weapons remains a persistent threat. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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