MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph George Ray, also known as ‘YB,’ has admitted to a serious drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced. The 56-year-old Martinsburg man pleaded guilty today to one count of ‘Possession with Intent to Distribute a Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture.’
The crime dates back to August 2020 in Berkeley County, where Ray distributed heroin and fentanyl. This admission comes as a result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep.
This initiative aims to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in ‘hot spot’ areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States. The goal is to decrease drug overdoses and overdose deaths, while identifying and dismantling wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
The OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations threatening the United States. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated the crime.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided over the case. Ray faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence will be based on the seriousness of the offenses and Ray’s prior criminal history, if any.
Ray’s guilty plea is a significant step towards holding individuals accountable for their roles in the opioid crisis. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Anthony M. Barnes, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, … · Virginia
- Jason Matthew Brown, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, D… · West Virginia
- Anthony D. Latham, Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, West Virginia, … · West Virginia
- Misty Renee Wentz, Heroin Possession with Intent to Distribute, W.V… · West Virginia
- Nyzhon N. Bell, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, PA 2024 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking