ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Casey Warren Lang, 29, of Huttonsville, West Virginia, is staring down a lengthy federal sentence after being indicted on serious drug and weapons charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced this week. The case lays bare the persistent flow of narcotics and illegal firearms plaguing the Mountain State.
Lang is accused of possessing with intent to distribute at least fifty grams of methamphetamine – a substantial amount for a rural county – and unlawfully possessing firearms. The alleged offenses occurred in June 2019, but the investigation has only now culminated in an indictment. Sources close to the investigation indicate authorities seized a staggering thirteen firearms from Lang’s possession.
This isn’t Lang’s first brush with the law. He’s already a prohibited person, meaning a prior conviction bars him from legally owning firearms. This detail significantly elevates the severity of the firearms charge. Investigators are reportedly digging into Lang’s connections, attempting to determine the source of the methamphetamine and the intended recipients.
If convicted on the methamphetamine charge, Lang faces a minimum of 10 years and potentially life in federal prison, alongside a hefty fine of up to $10,000,000. The firearms charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years incarceration and a $250,000 fine. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner, leading the prosecution, will be guided by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, factoring in the specifics of the crimes and Lang’s criminal history.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. This multi-agency collaboration highlights the increasing need for coordinated law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and gun violence in West Virginia. The Task Force has been particularly active in dismantling small-scale distribution networks throughout the region.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is simply an accusation. Lang is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented to the grand jury clearly convinced them there’s probable cause to believe Lang committed these crimes, setting the stage for a potentially explosive trial. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
Related Federal Cases
- 24 Charged in West Virginia Meth Ring, Guns Seized · West Virginia
- Bradsher & Duran Plead Guilty to Meth Charges in Huntington · Virginia
- Meth Ring Kingpin Sean Moser Sentenced to Over 17 Years · Virginia
- Pancake & Maxwell: Meth Ring Lands Pair in Federal Prison · West Virginia
- Roane Man Chadrick Rogers Sentenced for Meth Distribution · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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