Marcus Anthony Long, Distribution of Cocaine Base, West Virginia 2021

Local Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Cocaine Base

In a shocking turn of events, Marcus Anthony Long, also known as ‘Tony,’ has pleaded guilty to a drug charge in a Marshall County court. Long, a 59-year-old resident of Benwood, West Virginia, faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for his role in distributing cocaine base, also known as ‘crack,’ in October 2021 in Ohio County.

The charges against Long stem from an investigation by the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

According to court documents, Long admitted to selling cocaine base in October 2021. The exact date of the transaction is not specified. Long’s guilty plea comes as a result of a plea agreement reached between his attorneys and the prosecution.

Long’s sentence will be determined by U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone, who presided over the case. 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 case against Long serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in the region. The Marshall County Drug Task Force continues to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those responsible for distributing illicit substances.

The sentence for Long is expected to be handed down in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the community remains vigilant in their efforts to combat the scourge of drug trafficking.

As the investigation continues, the public is reminded that tips and information can be reported to the Marshall County Drug Task Force. Your assistance is crucial in helping to keep our community safe.

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