John Ladelle Puryear, Cocaine and Fentanyl Possession, West Virginia 2025

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Huntington man is facing serious consequences after pleading guilty to a federal drug crime.

John Ladelle Puryear, 49, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and cocaine base, also known as 'crack.'

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 16, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Puryear's apartment in Huntington and seized approximately 299 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of fentanyl, and 8 grams of crack, a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol, a Colt MK IV Series 80 .45-caliber pistol, a Ruger LCF .380-caliber pistol, digital scales, and approximately $6,487.

As part of his guilty plea, Puryear admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances. Puryear further admitted that he possessed the seized firearms to protect the controlled substance and the proceeds from distributing them.

Puryear is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/huntington-man-pleads-guilty-federal-drug-crime-25