Michael Erwin Basham, Oxycodone Trafficking, West Virginia 2015

BECKLEY, W.Va. - A Glen Daniel man was locked up for his role in a federal drug trafficking case.

Michael Erwin Basham, 35, was sentenced to serve two years in federal prison, followed by a one year term of supervised release, for using a telephone to arrange a sale of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.

The crime, which occurred near Glen Daniel, was uncovered by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit during a thorough investigation.

In February of 2015, Basham had previously pled guilty to the charge.

This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

According to authorities, the goal is to make communities safer and healthier by targeting and dismantling prescription pill trafficking and heroin distribution networks.

Basham’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such illicit activities.

Defendant: Michael Erwin Basham

Charge: Using a telephone to arrange a sale of oxycodone

City and State: Beckley, West Virginia

Exact Date: February 2015 (guilty plea), May 2015 (sentencing)

Sentence: Two years in federal prison, followed by one year term of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/glen-daniel-man-sentenced-federal-drug-trafficking-charge