Che Dushon Lark, Heroin and Methamphetamine Possession, West Virginia 2023

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man is facing severe punishment after pleading guilty to a federal drug crime. Che Dushon Lark, 48, of Charleston, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 6, 2020, Lark possessed a quantity of controlled substances containing methamphetamine and heroin that he intended to distribute in Charleston. This egregious act demonstrates the severity of the opioid crisis gripping our nation.

Lark’s actions have led to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2023.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.

The West Virginia State Police also provided assistance in this case. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Parsons and Nowles Heinrich are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-84.

As the Grimy Times continues to report on cases like Che Dushon Lark’s, it is clear that the fight against opioid distribution is far from over. Our communities need to stay vigilant and support those working to combat this crisis.

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