Related Federal Cases
- Jeffrey Phares, Cemetery Fraud, West Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
- Bradley Temple, Unlawful Money Transactions, West Virginia, 2023 · Washington
- Nitesh Ratnakar, Tax Evasion, West Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
- Derrick Patrick Bernard, Jr. Sentenced to Life for Drug and Gun Smu… · Arkansas
- Oliver, Drug Smuggling Ring Heist, Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges
A Charleston man has pleaded guilty to federal drug and gun charges in connection with a sting operation at a local casino.
Michael A. Parker, 37, admitted to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He faces up to 30 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2019.
The incident occurred on July 28, 2018, at 5:00 a.m. at the Mardi Gras Casino in Nitro, West Virginia. Parker double-parked his car and went into the casino, where casino security noticed a gun on the floorboard of the vehicle. After fleeing the scene, Parker was eventually apprehended by police with the assistance of a K9 unit.
Parker was found to be in possession of a large bag of cocaine, five smaller bags of cocaine, a bag of marijuana, $14,225.87 in cash, and a Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol with 11 rounds of ammunition and an extended magazine. The firearm had traveled in interstate commerce, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Parker is a prior convicted felon, having been convicted of distribution of cocaine base and possession with the intent to deliver cocaine in 2004. His prior conviction renders him ineligible to possess a firearm.
United States Attorney Mike Stuart commended the investigation by the Nitro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, and Mardi Gras Casino Security.
Parker’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the local crime community, and his sentence is expected to be a harsh one. His case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in gun and drug-related crimes.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
