Methamphetamine Ring Cracks in West Virginia

WHEELING, W.VA. – In a major blow to the narcotics trade in rural West Virginia, two men have admitted to their involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation that spanned multiple states, with sales taking place in Tyler and Wetzel Counties.

Joshua Cathers, 38, of Sistersville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of ‘Distribution of Methamphetamine’ after admitting to selling the highly addictive substance in November 2017 in Tyler County. Cathers faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

Ronald Morgan, 50, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty on Friday, August 10, 2018 to one count of ‘Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine’ after admitting to selling methamphetamine in March 2017 in Tyler County. Morgan also faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

The investigation, which was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF), involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit also assisted in the cases.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

The investigation into the methamphetamine distribution operation was a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal agencies, demonstrating the importance of cooperation in the fight against narcotics trafficking. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, played a significant role in the investigation.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided over the cases.