David Anthony Richardson, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, West Virginia 2018

In a devastating blow to the opioid epidemic, David Anthony Richardson, a 33-year-old Philadelphia man, has admitted to distributing fentanyl in West Virginia.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Richardson pled guilty to one count of 'Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl' in the Northern District of West Virginia.

The crime took place in Ohio County, West Virginia in August 2018, where Richardson was found to be in possession of more than 40 grams of a substance containing fentanyl.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Richardson faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $5,000,000.

The actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The investigation into Richardson's activities was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department, with support from the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF).

U.S. Magistrate Robert W. Trumble presided over the case.

Richardson's guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies working to combat the opioid epidemic in West Virginia and beyond.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/philadelphia-man-admits-fentanyl-distribution