Richard James Pfost, Heroin and Gun Crimes, West Virginia 2021

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Table of Contents

Local Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Gun Crimes

In a shocking turn of events, Richard James Pfost, a 38-year-old man from Beaver, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to federal drug and gun crimes. According to court documents, Pfost was the front seat passenger in a vehicle traveling in Belle when deputies with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop.

Deputies observed marijuana in the vehicle and conducted a search of the vehicle. In the front passenger side of the vehicle, deputies located approximately 112 grams of heroin, 88 grams of methamphetamine, 11 grams of cocaine, a loaded Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol, and a loaded Ruger EC9 9mm pistol.

Pfost also had $420 in his possession, which he admitted were drug distribution proceeds. Pfost admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine for money, and that the firearms in his possession were to protect himself, the drugs he possessed, and the drug proceeds.

Richard James Pfost is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2021, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were commended for their investigative work in the case. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement, praising the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Cremeans is prosecuting the case.

Pfost’s guilty plea marks a significant blow to the heroin trade in Raleigh County and serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in such activities. As the investigation continues, it is clear that law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.