Gerald Henry Convicted

A Chicago, Illinois man has been convicted of running a large-scale fentanyl distribution operation in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Gerald Henry, also known as “Unc,” age 41, was found guilty of two counts involving the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine.

According to testimony at trial, Henry transported large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from Chicago, Illinois, to Weirton, West Virginia, for sale and distribution. Investigators seized more than 400 grams of fentanyl from a search of Henry’s Weirton residence.

Henry faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison for each of the charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The investigation into Henry’s operation also led to the conviction of several other individuals. Jasmine MCullough, 41, of Chicago, Illinois; Stephen Price, 40, of Chicago, Illinois; Daniel Pail Truax, 47, of Weirton, West Virginia; Paula Jean Truax, 44, of Weirton, West Virginia; and William Dean Tredway, 35, of Colliers, West Virginia, have each previously entered guilty pleas for their roles in the drug operation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by a multi-agency task force, including the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; the West Virginia State Police; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office; the Steubenville, Ohio, Police Department; and the Wheeling Police Department.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the trial. The conviction of Gerald Henry is a significant blow to the fentanyl trade in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, and demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating the opioid epidemic.

The fentanyl distribution operation led by Henry was responsible for bringing large quantities of the deadly drug into the community, putting countless lives at risk. The investigation and conviction of Henry and his co-conspirators will help to reduce the availability of fentanyl in the area and make the community safer.