Meth Kingpin Busted

⏱ 2 min read

James Garner, a 35-year-old Detroit man, was involved in a large-scale methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking operation in the Huntington, WV area. Between January and February 2025, Garner sold significant quantities of methamphetamine to confidential informants, including 50 grams for $350 on January 17, 2025, and 336 grams for $2,400 on February 21, 2025. The transactions were arranged by co-defendant Joshua Willie McCarver and took place at a Baer Street residence in Huntington.

Garner’s luck ran out on May 31, 2025, when law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop in Huntington. As a passenger in the vehicle, Garner exited and discarded a bag containing approximately 459 grams of methamphetamine. He then fled on foot but was apprehended after a pursuit. Officers recovered the discarded methamphetamine and a bag containing approximately 49.8 grams of fentanyl from the vehicle.

Garner’s guilty plea revealed his role in the drug trafficking organization and his involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. He admitted to conducting multiple transactions and possessing large quantities of the illicit substances.

On the day of sentencing, Garner was handed a five-year prison term, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence reflects the severity of Garner’s crimes and the impact of his actions on the Huntington community.