⏱ 2 min read
Four individuals from West Virginia and North Carolina have admitted to trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in North Central West Virginia. Michelle Denise Gallo, Lisa Dawn Andrews, Shawn Galin Whitley Jr., and Justin Michael Hoover pleaded guilty in federal court to various drug-related charges. The crimes occurred in several counties, including Randolph and Lewis, with some defendants working together to sell the illicit substances.
According to court documents, Michelle Denise Gallo, 57, of Fairmont, was involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of her drug trafficking activities. She faces 10 years to life for the drug charge and 5 years to life for the firearms charge. Lisa Dawn Andrews, 40, of Montrose, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Shawn Galin Whitley Jr., 35, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was traveling from Pittsburgh to Lewis County when his vehicle was stopped, and officers found fentanyl stamps and cash. A search of his hotel room yielded over 3,700 fentanyl stamps. He faces up to 20 years in prison. Justin Michael Hoover, 35, of Huttonsville, pleaded guilty to distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, which he was selling from his home. He faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison.
A federal district court judge will determine the sentences for each defendant after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant US Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the US Attorney’s office.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: West Virginia
- Location: WV
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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