Robert Lee Moran, Fentanyl Distribution, West Virginia 2024

BECKLEY, W.Va. – In a shocking turn of events, Robert Lee Moran, a 46-year-old Mount Hope resident, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl in a federal court hearing held in Beckley.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2024, Moran distributed approximately 1 gram of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Beckley. The illicit substance, known for its potency and deadly consequences, has been at the center of a growing opioid crisis in the region.

Moran is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. The harsh penalties reflect the severity of the crime and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and communities.

United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department. The unit’s dedication to combating the opioid epidemic is crucial in keeping communities safe.

A United States Magistrate Judge, Omar J. Aboulhosn, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon is prosecuting the case, ensuring that justice is served and Moran is held accountable for his actions.

The plea deal marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis in West Virginia. As the region continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of addiction, it is essential that those responsible for distributing these deadly substances are brought to justice.

Moran’s conviction serves as a reminder that the fight against opioid trafficking is far from over. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on the sentencing and any subsequent developments.