Levi Kennith Carter, Heroin, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine Trafficking, West Virginia 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Charleston man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine trafficking ring.

Levi Kennith Carter, 31, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Following his release from prison, Carter will serve three years of supervised release.

"31 years old and this is Carter’s third federal drug conviction," said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. "Maybe “three’s a charm” but if not, we’ll make it a fourth."

Carter’s guilty pleas stem from his involvement in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in Charleston. On February 28, 2020, and March 3, 2020, he sold a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department at an apartment complex on Renaissance Circle in Charleston. On March 5, 2020, he again met with a confidential informant and sold a quantity of methamphetamine.

Carter has two prior federal convictions in the Southern District of West Virginia for felony offenses tied to drug dealing activity. On October 12, 2010, he was convicted of aiding and abetting the possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, and on October 2, 2015, he was convicted of distribution of heroin.

The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe handled the prosecution.

Carter’s sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of getting caught up in the heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine epidemic plaguing our nation. As our community continues to grapple with the devastating effects of these substances, it is essential that we hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00073.

"The Charleston Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe from the scourge of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine," said a spokesperson for the department. "We will continue to work with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring those responsible to justice."

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/charleston-man-sentenced-five-years-federal-prison-drug-crimes