Richard Allan Howell, Methamphetamine Trafficking, West Virginia 2018

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A local man has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, according to United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II.

Richard Allan Howell, 43, of Moorefield, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on October 2018 in Hardy County.

Howell admitted to having methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” in Hardy County. This illicit substance is a highly addictive stimulant that poses significant health risks to users.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Howell faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Moorefield Police Department investigated the case. The task force consists of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Aloi presided over the case.

The public is reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/hardy-county-man-appears-drug-charges

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