Drug Trafficking Ring Busted in Ohio Valley

Drug Trafficking Ring Busted in Ohio Valley

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal court sentenced two individuals for their roles in a notorious drug trafficking operation in the Ohio Valley.

Sharod D. Nickelson, 44, of Detroit, Michigan, was found guilty of conspiring with others to possess and sell oxycodone throughout the region. Nickelson’s scheme was uncovered following an investigation by the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. He pleaded guilty in January 2016 to one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone.

On Tuesday, Nickelson was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his crimes.

Another individual, Donald William Butler, 57, of Saint Marys, West Virginia, was arrested in connection with a Pleasants County methamphetamine manufacturing operation in June 2015. Authorities discovered Butler in possession of materials commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. Following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Department, Butler pleaded guilty in October 2015 to one count of Possession of Material Used in the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.

Butler was sentenced to 46 months in prison for his role in the operation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted Nickelson, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted Butler on behalf of the government. Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided over the cases.

The sentencing of these two individuals marks a significant blow to the drug trafficking operation, which had been plaguing the Ohio Valley for years.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.