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Methamphetamine Ring Busted in Charleston
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution ring. Darius Coles, 23, and Joshua Lawson, 31, pleaded guilty to federal charges and received sentences of 78 and 60 months in prison, respectively.
According to court documents, Coles was involved in a January 2021 meeting with a confidential informant at the Go-Mart near Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Coles collected $1,200 from the informant, which was intended to pay off an outstanding drug debt. He then fronted the informant an additional amount of methamphetamine to be paid for later.
Lawson, on the other hand, was stopped by the Charleston Police Department on December 27, 2020, after he left a meeting with his methamphetamine source of supply. An officer performed a pat-down search and found an ounce of methamphetamine hidden in Lawson’s groin area. Lawson admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the West Virginia State Police.
The investigation was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which was established in 1982 to combat major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies with state and local law enforcement to identify, disrupt, and dismantle serious drug trafficking organizations.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman handled the prosecution.
The OCDETF program is a key component of the federal government’s drug reduction strategy, and its efforts have led to significant reductions in drug-related crime and violence in communities across the country.
A copy of the press release is available on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00032.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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