A Kanawha County man has been convicted of a federal methamphetamine crime after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of the deadly drug. Shane Steven Thaxton, 41, of Sissonville, West Virginia, entered his guilty plea to the federal crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
According to the investigation, Thaxton admitted to driving from West Virginia to Georgia in early May of 2016 to pick up methamphetamine for distribution. Before driving back to West Virginia, he concealed the drugs in the spare tire of the vehicle. During a traffic stop in the Hurricane area on the return trip, law enforcement searched the vehicle and discovered the methamphetamine hidden in the spare tire.
The drugs were later analyzed by a DEA laboratory and determined to be methamphetamine with a weight of over 800 grams. Thaxton faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 7, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Division. “Meth is a deadly, dangerous drug that is returning as a serious menace,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“We are working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that meth does not become the diabolical force that it was to our communities just a few years ago. We’re not going back to the future.” Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Clint Carte are responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
The conviction is a significant blow to the methamphetamine trade in West Virginia. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and destructive drug that can cause serious physical and mental health problems. Thaxton’s conviction serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in methamphetamine trafficking.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes law enforcement agencies from across the state. The DEA Task Force works tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle methamphetamine trafficking organizations and bring those responsible to justice.
Thaxton’s sentencing is set for January 7, 2019. He will face at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. The case is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating methamphetamine trafficking in West Virginia.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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