CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ninety-eight point five eight grams. That’s how much methamphetamine Michael Eugene Ginther, 42, of Charleston, was caught with on April 24, 2024. And it’s enough to land him back in federal prison, potentially for the rest of his life. Ginther pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute that quantity of the highly addictive drug, a charge that carries a hefty mandatory minimum sentence.
Court documents paint a clear picture: Ginther wasn’t holding that near-100-gram stash for personal use. He admitted, in open court, that he intended to peddle the methamphetamine within the Charleston area. This isn’t a first-time offense, either. Ginther was already walking a tightrope, serving a term of supervised release stemming from a 2018 conviction for conspiracy to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
The irony isn’t lost on federal investigators. Ginther, supposedly reformed after his previous drug conviction, was allegedly back in the game, risking not only his freedom but also fueling the addiction crisis plaguing West Virginia. The DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service spent months building the case against him, meticulously gathering evidence that led to today’s guilty plea. They’ve seen this story play out too many times.
Ginther’s sentencing is scheduled for November 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin. He’s staring down a mandatory minimum of 10 years behind bars, with the potential for a life sentence. Add to that at least five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and a staggering $10 million fine – a sum that’s unlikely to ever be paid.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston didn’t mince words, praising the work of the DEA and Marshals in dismantling another piece of the drug pipeline flowing through West Virginia. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price is leading the prosecution, determined to ensure Ginther receives the maximum penalty allowed under the law. This case serves as a stark reminder that federal law enforcement remains vigilant in targeting drug traffickers, even those already under supervision.
For those seeking further information, a copy of the press release can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website. Related court documents are accessible via PACER under Case No. 2:25-cr-33. This isn’t just a case number; it’s a life potentially ruined, and a community grappling with the consequences of unchecked drug abuse.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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