Joshua Matthews, Heroin Distribution, West Virginia 2014

Charleston man pleads guilty to federal heroin charge; faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine.

Charleston, W.Va. – Joshua Matthews, a 32-year-old resident of Charleston, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to a federal heroin charge in federal court. Matthews admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit in exchange for $105.00 on August 19, 2014, on Capitol Street in downtown Charleston.

The drug deal, which took place nearly a decade ago, has led to Matthews facing the consequences of his actions. He is expected to be sentenced on July 29, 2015, and could face up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal heroin and pill trafficking in the region. This case is part of an ongoing effort to combat the illicit sale and misuse of heroin and prescription drugs.

The investigation into Matthews’ heroin distribution was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is handling the prosecution of Matthews. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to eliminate open-air drug markets and curb the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

Matthews’ guilty plea is a significant blow to the heroin trade in Charleston and the surrounding areas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to hold individuals accountable for their roles in the heroin epidemic.

The case against Matthews serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of heroin distribution on our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of heroin and pill trafficking cases to keep our communities safe.

Joshua Matthews, 32, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine when he is sentenced on July 29, 2015. Matthews admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit in exchange for $105.00 on August 19, 2014, on Capitol Street in downtown Charleston.

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