ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Garry William Moran, II, a 42-year-old resident of Buckhannon, West Virginia, is headed to federal prison for a double-barreled offense: pushing meth and peddling fake cash. Moran received an 84-month sentence today after pleading guilty to both drug and counterfeiting charges, according to U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld.
The feds say Moran wasn’t just holding onto the methamphetamine; he was actively trying to sell it. The conspiracy to distribute stretched from January to May of 2019, centering in Upshur County but extending elsewhere. It wasn’t a small-time operation, though details on the quantity of meth involved haven’t been released. The bust underscores the persistent drug flow plaguing West Virginia communities.
But the drugs weren’t the only illegal activity Moran was involved in. In May 2019, authorities discovered he was also in possession of $1,100 in counterfeit U.S. currency, also in Upshur County. While the amount seems relatively small, the Secret Service takes counterfeiting seriously, viewing it as a direct attack on the integrity of the U.S. financial system. It’s a gamble that clearly didn’t pay off for Moran.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower led the prosecution, building the case with evidence gathered by the Mountain Lakes Drug Task Force and agents from the U.S. Secret Service. The combined effort demonstrates the interagency cooperation often required to tackle complex criminal enterprises that span multiple offenses.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh handed down the sentence, sending a clear message that trafficking drugs and flooding the economy with fake money will not be tolerated. Moran’s 84-month term – seven years – should serve as a deterrent to others considering similar schemes in the Mountain State.
The investigation remains closed, with no indication of additional arrests at this time. However, sources within the Mountain Lakes Drug Task Force suggest they are continuing to monitor known associates of Moran. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report any further developments.”
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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