CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Garry William Moran, II, 41, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, is staring down a potential prison sentence after admitting today to both drug trafficking and running counterfeit cash. The bust, a joint effort between the Mountain Lakes Drug Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service, paints a picture of a small-time operator caught peddling poison and fake money in Upshur County.
Moran pleaded guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations.” According to court documents, Moran was dealing meth from January to May 2019, pushing the highly addictive drug throughout Upshur County and beyond. The operation wasn’t sophisticated, but it was consistent, and the feds were watching.
The double-dip into criminal activity didn’t stop with drugs. In May 2019, authorities discovered Moran was also in possession of $1,100 in counterfeit U.S. currency. While the amount isn’t massive, the Secret Service takes counterfeiting seriously – it erodes trust in the financial system and funds other criminal enterprises. Moran’s attempt to inject fake bills into the local economy proved to be his downfall.
Now, Moran is facing the consequences. The drug charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The counterfeit charge adds another potential 20 years behind bars and a fine of up to $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower will be pushing for a substantial sentence, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines will be a key factor in determining the final outcome.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the guilty plea. While Moran’s prior criminal history, if any, hasn’t been publicly released, it will undoubtedly play a role in his sentencing. This case serves as a reminder that even in smaller communities, federal agencies are actively working to dismantle drug operations and shut down those who attempt to undermine the integrity of the U.S. currency.
The investigation, a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and federal law enforcement, highlights the ongoing battle against both drug trafficking and financial crimes. Moran’s fate now rests in the hands of the court, but it’s clear he’ll be spending a significant portion of his life answering for his actions. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves toward sentencing.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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