Ivan Lee Burton, Methamphetamine Distribution, West Virginia 2022

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A devastating case of methamphetamine distribution has come to an end as Ivan Lee Burton, 47, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine in West Virginia. The crime occurred on August 3, 2022, in Parkersburg, a city in the heart of West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Burton admitted to distributing approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Parkersburg on or about August 3, 2022. He further admitted to conspiring with several others to complete numerous drug transactions in the Parkersburg, West Virginia, area between April 2022 and September 2022. Burton used other individuals to sell drugs including methamphetamine and cocaine base, also known as ‘crack,’ to customers on his behalf.

Burton’s involvement in the methamphetamine trade is not a recent development. His long history of crime now includes 13 felony convictions and six misdemeanor convictions, making him a prime target for law enforcement agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force worked tirelessly to bring Burton to justice.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the FBI and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force. ‘This case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in our state,’ Thompson said.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence, bringing an end to Burton’s reign of terror in the methamphetamine trade. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case, ensuring that justice was served.

The case is now closed, but the impact of Burton’s actions will be felt for years to come. The community of Parkersburg is safer thanks to the bravery of law enforcement agencies and their unwavering commitment to justice.

A copy of this 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. 2:22-cr-190.