ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Valley Head woman is facing serious federal time after being indicted on a slew of drug and weapons charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced today. Tara Lynn Leary, 30, is accused of running a significant methamphetamine operation in Randolph County, allegedly peddling the deadly drug for over six months.
The indictment details accusations that Leary conspired to distribute, possessed with intent to distribute, and actively distributed more than fifty grams of methamphetamine between August 2019 and March 2020. Federal investigators claim Leary wasn’t just moving weight; she was allegedly armed while doing it. During one alleged drug trafficking crime in January 2020, Leary is accused of being in possession of a .380 caliber pistol.
If convicted, Leary faces a potentially crippling sentence. The charges of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine” and “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine” each carry a minimum of 10 years and up to a life sentence, along with a potential fine of up to $10,000,000. The “Distribution of More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine” charge adds another five to forty years behind bars, and a fine of up to $5 million.
The firearm charge, “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime,” isn’t a slap on the wrist either. Leary could receive at least five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if found guilty. However, the actual sentence will be determined by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the severity of the crimes and any prior criminal history. This isn’t a plea bargain waiting to happen; the government is aiming for serious prison time.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is leading the prosecution for the government. The case was built by the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, who conducted the investigation. They’ve been working this case for months, gathering evidence and building a case against Leary. Sources within the task force indicate this indictment is the culmination of a larger operation targeting drug trafficking in the region.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Leary is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges against her are substantial, and the potential penalties are severe. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. Expect a hard fight from the defense, but the feds appear confident in their case.
Related Federal Cases
- Elkins Drug Ring Busted: Workman Faces Machine Gun Rap · West Virginia
- 24 Charged in West Virginia Meth Ring, Guns Seized · West Virginia
- Meth Ring Kingpin Sean Moser Sentenced to Over 17 Years · Virginia
- Pancake & Maxwell: Meth Ring Lands Pair in Federal Prison · West Virginia
- DC Man Gets 3.5 Years for Gun Smuggling Ring · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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