Hurricane, West Virginia – Malcolm Hodges, 25, stood before a federal judge today and admitted to arming himself with a .45 caliber revolver and flooding the streets with over 72 grams of methamphetamine – crimes that now guarantee years behind bars. Hodges pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute meth, charges that stem from two separate incidents in 2016 and 2017.
The first offense unfolded on September 1, 2016, when Hodges fled a DUI checkpoint in Putnam County, abandoning his vehicle during the escape. Officers discovered a Smith and Wesson .45 caliber revolver tucked beside his car. The conviction matters: Hodges had already been barred from owning any firearm after a 2013 Kanawha County conviction for wanton endangerment with a firearm.
Just months later, on April 23, 2017, Hodges was back in the crosshairs of law enforcement – this time in Dunbar. During a brief police pursuit, he tossed a package from his vehicle. Dunbar Police recovered the bundle: more than 72 grams of methamphetamine, ready for distribution. The act confirmed what federal prosecutors say was a pattern of brazen criminal behavior.
U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart didn’t mince words. “Drugs and guns are a bad combination. Either by itself can be deadly. Together they are lethal,” Stuart said. “Sadly, Hodges has earned a long time behind bars. The lesson is simple – don’t sell drugs and don’t illegally possess a gun.”
Hodges now faces a minimum of five years, up to 50 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis is leading the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative to slash gun violence through coordinated federal, state, and local enforcement. It also falls under the Southern District of West Virginia’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs – particularly methamphetamine – targeting dealers who profit from addiction and chaos in struggling communities.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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