Parkersburg Couple Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A chilling development in the ongoing battle against heroin in Parkersburg as David J. Kerns and Katie M. Kerns, both from the city, have entered guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin. The couple’s illicit activities were brought to light when West Virginia State Police intercepted their vehicle on February 19, 2015.

The troopers, who had observed the suspects crossing into West Virginia from Ohio over the U.S. Route 50 Dupont Bridge, discovered approximately 10 ounces of heroin hidden in tubes of grease. David Kerns, 27, and Katie Kerns, 26 (no relation), admitted at their plea hearing that Kerns purchased the heroin for $20,000 from a contact introduced to him by Katie Kerns in Cincinnati.

Both defendants are staring down up to 20 years in federal prison. The sentencing for Katie Kerns is set for January 18, 2017, while her partner faces judgment on January 19, 2017.

This case was a result of the diligent work by the West Virginia State Police and Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks, who is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearings.

The Kerns’ convictions are part of an ongoing campaign led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat prescription drug abuse and heroin trafficking. The office, in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open-air drug markets, and curbing the spread of drugs within communities.