Joshua Michael Bourne, Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base Trafficking, West Virginia 2020

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A man from Shanks, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a multi-substance trafficking operation, according to a recent court proceeding.

A 36-year-old Joshua Michael Bourne pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base. This charge stems from his involvement in a drug trafficking operation that lasted from January 2020 to October 2020.

As part of his plea agreement, Bourne faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked closely with the Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office to bring this case forward. In addition, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crime task Force, a HIDTA funded initiative, investigated the case. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Keyser Police Department, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided over the case, where Bourne entered his guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

This investigation is a prime example of the collaborative efforts between local and federal law enforcement agencies to combat the growing issue of substance trafficking in the region.

The defendant’s fate will be decided at a later date, based on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

Bourne’s guilty plea is a significant step towards bringing closure to this case and holding him accountable for his actions.

Related Federal Cases