Martel DaAngelo Brown, Fentanyl Distribution, West Virginia 2020

Fentanyl Crisis in Huntington Deepens as Local Man Faces Prison Time

In a disturbing reminder of the fentanyl epidemic gripping West Virginia, a Huntington man has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for two counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Martel DaAngelo Brown, 33, of Huntington, was handed down the sentence by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers after pleading guilty to the charges. The case was investigated by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Southern West Virginia Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) West Task Force.

According to court documents, Brown admitted to distributing fentanyl in Huntington during controlled buys conducted by the authorities on February 5 and 7, 2020. A search warrant of his residence on February 10, 2020, yielded approximately 1.7 grams of fentanyl, digital scales, and a ledger.

United States Attorney Mike Stuart emphasized the importance of removing fentanyl dealers from communities, stating, “We continue our work to reduce the supply of fentanyl and remove fentanyl dealers from our communities.”

Brown’s sentencing is a significant blow to the fentanyl trade in Huntington, but it highlights the ongoing struggle to combat the crisis. The investigation was conducted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge aimed at reducing the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high-impact areas.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00039.

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