Gregory Anthony Waters, Cocaine Distribution, West Virginia 2020

BECKLEY, W.Va. - A local man's dealings in illicit substances have led to a significant prison sentence. Gregory Anthony Waters, 53, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine base, also known as 'crack' cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Waters sold approximately 1 ounce of cocaine base to a confidential informant on September 20, 2020. Waters admitted to meeting the informant near a restaurant he owned in Beckley to sell the drugs. Waters also admitted to selling cocaine or cocaine base on several other occasions. Each transaction occurred within the Southern District of West Virginia.

The charges against Waters stem from his involvement in the distribution of controlled substances. Waters agreed to forfeit cash in the amount of $2,481 and to have a money judgment entered in the amount of $5,000, the total of which represents the proceeds of his illegal drug trafficking. Waters also agreed to forfeit a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado truck which was used to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances.

United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, stating their hard work helped bring Waters to justice. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.

The sentence handed down to Waters serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit activities. The community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Waters will be held accountable for his actions.

In a related note, a copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-191.

Gregory Anthony Waters, a 53-year-old resident of Beckley, will begin serving his seven-year and four-month prison sentence. His sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release for distributing cocaine base, also known as 'crack' cocaine.

The charges of cocaine distribution were brought against Waters after he sold approximately 1 ounce of cocaine base to a confidential informant on September 20, 2020. Waters admitted to meeting the informant near a restaurant he owned in Beckley to sell the drugs. Waters also admitted to selling cocaine or cocaine base on several other occasions. Each transaction occurred within the Southern District of West Virginia.

Gregory Anthony Waters agreed to forfeit cash in the amount of $2,481 and to have a money judgment entered in the amount of $5,000, the total of which represents the proceeds of his illegal drug trafficking. Waters also agreed to forfeit a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado truck which was used to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances.

The total amount that Waters agreed to forfeit is $7,481. This includes $2,481 in cash, a $5,000 money judgment, and a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado truck.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/beckley-man-sentenced-prison-federal-drug-crime