CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Antonio Cohens, 35, of Detroit, Michigan, is headed to federal prison for peddling poison in the Mountain State. Cohens received a 78-month sentence today for distributing heroin in Monongalia County, a sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley.
The Detroit man wasn’t a local operator. Court records show Cohens transported the heroin directly from Detroit, Michigan, flooding the streets of Monongalia County with the deadly opioid. The investigation, spearheaded by the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, uncovered a clear pipeline of narcotics originating from the Midwest.
Cohens pled guilty in May 2016 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” admitting to his role in the drug trade. While the plea came years ago, the wheels of justice grind slowly, especially when dealing with interstate drug trafficking. This case underscores the reach of drug networks beyond state lines and the persistent fight against opioid abuse.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley skillfully prosecuted the case, building a solid argument that led to the substantial prison term. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, provided the crucial investigative work needed to bring Cohens to justice. This task force is consistently on the front lines, battling the influx of dangerous drugs into West Virginia.
The 78-month sentence sends a clear message: bringing heroin into West Virginia carries serious consequences. While prison time won’t undo the damage caused by Cohens’ actions, it removes a dangerous actor from the streets and hopefully disrupts the flow of heroin into the community. The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities nationwide, and every conviction, no matter how small it may seem, is a step in the right direction.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced the sentencing, reiterating his office’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations and holding accountable those who profit from addiction. This case highlights the collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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